India were focused on the plans, not the rivalry, insists Axar Patel

Axar Patel stated that the Indian team was not affected by the occasion or the rivalry against Pakistan, focusing instead on planning and execution.

"We were not thinking about India's batting versus Pakistan's bowling or anything like that. We were just focused on our plan and execution, whether batting or bowling. We considered what to do if bowling first or second, and assessed the wicket. We were thinking about our own game.

"We are not thinking about these rivalries. We are playing against one team and focusing on cricket. Whenever I play, I treat it as a one-on-one match against an opponent, not any rivalry."

Despite massive support for India, with the 28,000-capacity Premadasa Stadium nearly full of Indian fans, Axar felt this support was consistent with what the team experiences globally.

"Not only in Sri Lanka—in Australia, England, or the West Indies, it's the same. Many Indian supporters come in blue jerseys. We don't focus on which country we're in, just the wicket and conditions.

"It feels good when people support us. This happens everywhere we go."

Axar took two key wickets, finishing with figures of 2 for 29. He bowled Babar Azam for five and had Usman Khan stumped for 44, a dismissal that effectively sealed Pakistan's fate as Usman charged down the pitch and was deceived by a short, sharply spinning delivery.

"The odd ball was skidding, and some spun more. With the new ball, I noticed it skidded a bit more. My plan was to adjust line or length based on what the batter wanted to target. For the second dismissal, Usman was stepping out, so I focused on my length."

Axar also praised Ishan Kishan for his innings.

"The way he batted was a great knock because it wasn't easy. The ball was spinning, some went straight under lights. He has carried form from domestic cricket to the New Zealand series and scored 50 in the last match against Namibia. When confidence is high, you don't overthink.

"He has both confidence and skill, playing shots all over—over cover, slips—and using the field well. Credit to him."