Akshar credits Bailey for success

New Delhi: Kings XI Punjab, over the years, have unearthed some serious talents in IPL and the latest from their stable is young Gujarat left- arm spinner Akshar Patel, who attributes much of his success to the flexible thought process of team’s captain George Bailey. “You automatically get a boost to go that extra yard when you get the backing of the skipper. At Kings XI, Bailey has backed me to the hilt and that has helped me perform. He gives me a free hand to execute my plans and that has been key to the little success that I have got,” said the 20- year- old Akshar. Patel has picked up seven wickets in 10 games but more importantly bowled at a very steady economy rate of 6.65 — one of the best so far in the competition. “The best part about Bailey is that he lets me set the field. There are captains who would set the field and tell you to bowl accordingly. Bailey tells me, ‘ Mate you are the captain. Set your field accordingly’. When the skipper shows confidence, it’s like a shot in the arm,” said Akshar. He didn’t forget to mention the role played by coach Sanjay Bangar in his development into a potent force. “It helps when you have an Indian coach. Bangar is an excellent communicator and for the young Indian players like us, it’s a blessing to have him as our coach. I also get a lot of help from senior spinner Murali Karthik, who passes on his oodles of experience,” he added.