Image source– Axar Patel Twitter/ X handle
We’ve all seen those crucial moments in cricket when a player steps up to bat under pressure, even in big matches like the T20 World Cup final, and delivers when the team is in trouble. But his contributions don’t stop there.
With the ball, his subtle drift can be tricky for batters to pick, and as a fielder, he’s always energetic and sharp.
Yes, we’re talking about Axar Patel, a player who adds immense value to the Indian cricket team in every aspect of the game.
Axar Patel Is Ready to Own The Big Stage
Lately, Axar Patel has been the epitome of a complete cricketer, stepping up whenever the team calls on him.
Whether it’s coming in to bat at crucial moments, anchoring the innings when the team is under pressure, or taking on the responsibility of bowling the toughest overs, even in high-stakes situations, Axar Patel has consistently delivered.
He’s not just filling a role; he’s thriving in it. His growth as a player is evident in the way he handles pressure with calm sensibility and maturity, signalling that he’s not only here to contribute but to dominate.
Axar has shown that he belongs on this stage, and it’s clear that he’s poised to be a key figure for Indian cricket for years to come.
There has always been a debate about whether Axar Patel truly fits into the Indian setup.
However, in recent times, he has emphatically proven why he is such a versatile asset for Indian cricket.
The recently concluded T20 World Cup showcased this perfectly, where Axar not only delivered with the ball but was also a key factor in India posting a 170+ score in the final.
His crucial partnership with Virat Kohli not only steadied the innings but also allowed Kohli to bat deep while Axar took the attack to the South African spinners in the middle overs. Axar’s performance in the final was a testament to his growing importance in the team.
We still remember Axar Patel’s crucial over against Pakistan, where he delivered four consecutive dot balls to Imad Wasim in the death overs, just when Pakistan was gearing up for a big finish.
That over turned the tide in India’s favor. Then, there was his pivotal wicket of Jos Buttler in the World Cup semifinals, striking with his very first ball.
Axar Patel may not have a doosra, but his success lies in his subtle variations—his round-arm action, clever changes in speed, and the ability to adjust his length at the
last moment, making him a vital weapon in India’s bowling arsenal.
Axar Patel: Test Sensation to Limited-Overs Key Player
Although Axar Patel has been part of the Indian setup since 2015, his true breakthrough came in 2021 during a Test series against England.
With Ravindra Jadeja sidelined due to injury, Axar seized the opportunity and delivered a stunning performance, claiming 27 wickets in just 3 matches.
His dominance was such that he became the first Indian bowler to take three consecutive five-wicket hauls in Test cricket.
Axar’s round-arm action and his lethal straighter deliveries had the English
batters completely at his mercy.
This series opened doors for him, but with Jadeja’s return to the Test setup, Axar found it challenging to secure a regular spot, often playing only when India opted for a third spinner.
However, his aggressive batting style ensured he remained a valuable asset in the limited-overs format, where India needed someone who could accelerate the innings.
Axar Patel: A New Dimension
Axar Patel never fails to surprise, and he did so again in the recent home Test series against Australia.
Emerging as a key player with the bat, Axar showcased a new dimension to his game, scoring 264 runs across 4 Tests in 5 innings, averaging 88 with 3 half-centuries. His calm and crucial innings were instrumental in India’s 2-1 series win over the formidable Australian attack.
This series highlighted Axar’s ability to perform under pressure and excel in challenging conditions, a trait that was also
evident in the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, where he handled spin with remarkable ease.
Axar’s evolving role as a reliable batter continues to make a significant impact for the team.
Axar Patel has worked hard and earned his place in the spotlight. Now, as he steps into his role as an all-rounder for India, it’s his time to shine.
With his impressive skills both with the bat and ball, Axar has the chance to make a big impact and secure his place in Indian cricket history. As he continues to excel, he has the opportunity to bring new glory to the team and make his mark in the sport.
