India’s star all-rounder Axar Patel has made it clear that he does not buy into the hype surrounding high-voltage clashes with Pakistan, emphasising that he approaches every match with the same mindset. His comments came after India registered a commanding 61-run victory over Pakistan in their Men's T20 World Cup 2026 encounter in Colombo on Sunday.
"See, we are seeing them as a team. So we are not thinking about these rivalries or whatever. So we are playing against one team, and we are just focusing on cricket. So whenever I am playing, I am not thinking about what about others," Axar Patel said at the post-match press conference.
"I treat it as one match and opponent. So I'm not thinking about any rivalry or whatever. We came to play an opposition, and we played good cricket," Axar Patel said.
After being asked to bat first, India built their innings around a fluent knock from Ishan Kishan, who dominated Pakistan's bowling attack, blazing a superb 77. Axar Patel lauded Kishan's splendid knock, highlighting his form and skill.
"The way he batted, I think it was one of the great knocks, because it was not so easy. The ball was spinning; some were going straight under lights, so it was not easy. He has carried the form from domestic cricket," Patel said.
"Upon his comeback, he performed brilliantly in the New Zealand series, and then in the last match, he also scored 50. So when your confidence is high, you don't think much about yourself or the wicket," he said.