"You automatically get a boost to go that extra yard when you get the backing of the skipper. At Kings XI, George 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," the 20-year-old Akshar told PTI during an interaction today.
"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 skipper shows confidence, it's like a shot in the arm," said Akshar, who has 29 first-class wickets in eight matches for Gujarat.
Akshar was with Mumbai Indians in the last season but just like Yuzvendra Chahal, a change of team has worked wonders for the spinner.
"It helps when you have an Indian coach. He (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," the youngster stated.