Axar Patel feels Virat Kohli-led Indian side is capable of winning 2019 World Cup

New Delhi, Aug 22: India spinner Axar Patel is really pleased after making a comeback in the side after a gap of few months and he's elated with the fact that he played his part well in team's win against Sri Lanka in the first ODI.

Axar (3/34) produced his career-best performance in the ODIs and ensured India restrict Sri Lanka to a paltry 216. India later chased the target convincingly and handed hosts a crushing nine-wicket defeat in Dambulla.

The BCCI has uploaded a video of a conversation between him and his Gujarat team-mate Jasprit Bumrah.

When Bumrah asked him how he felt after making it back to Indian squad, "I am really happy to be back in the team after six or seven months, I was not too worried about making a comeback, I thought that I would continue the same way as I used to perform earlier, when playing for India."

Jasprit also asked Axar about his game plan when he was introduced as Sri Lankan batsmen were building a crucial first wicket partnership, to which the chinaman replied,"Initially I planned to contain the Sri Lankan batsmen as they were scoring at ease. Even I needed a couple of overs to settle down, then I decided to go for wickets and felt really good when I got my first wicket after two overs."

Axar also praised Shikhar Dhawan's match-winning knock of 132* and felt that he deserved the man of the match award, "Really happy to see Shikhi Bhai (Shikhar) score and he deserved the man of the match. It feels good when the entire team is performing to their potential in every department, and are not dependent on individuals."

Hardik also asked Axar what changes he noticed in the side for he's back in the dressing room after a gap of six-seven months, he said, "All players are young with the average age of 26-27 so I think this is the main factor and everyone is enjoying each other's company. There is unity in the team which is helping us to gel up together so I think this team will win the 2019 ICC World Cup."

Men in Blue are ranked third in the latest ICC ODI rankings and ended up runner-ups in this year's ICC Champions Trophy held in England and Wales. Looking at the combination the existing Indian side, the Axar's statement isn't an exaggeration.

India will play their second ODI of the five-match series on August 24 in Pallekele. Men In Blue lead the series 1-0 against Sri Lanka.