Indian all-rounder Axar Patel played a crucial role in India‘s victory at the recently concluded T20 World Cup. His contributions with both bat and ball were instrumental in the team’s success, as he scored vital runs and picked up nine wickets at an economy rate of 7.86 across eight matches. One of his standout performances was a pivotal 52-run partnership with Virat Kohli in the final, which helped stabilize the innings after a shaky start.
Rising to the Occasion
In a candid interview, Axar revealed that he was informed of his promotion in the batting order only moments before he walked out to bat in the final. Despite the last-minute change, he approached the situation with a ‘see the ball, hit the ball’ mentality, which paid off as he and Kohli guided India to a competitive total.
“Every batsman likes to have a fixed batting position because it becomes a bit easy for him to plan for his role. But as a floater, I feel that the captain and coach trust you which is why they are sending you in tough situations. I am taking that in a positive way,” Axar shared in an interview with ESPNcricinfo.
Earning Trust
Axar’s performance in the T20 World Cup has significantly boosted his confidence. He emphasized the importance of the trust placed in him by the team management, which has allowed him to thrive in pressure situations. This trust was evident when he was selected for the ODI series against Sri Lanka over veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
“When the team needs someone to stand up, they are banking on me to deliver. That means they have seen something in me. When the team trusts you to deliver in such crunch situations, you start trusting yourself even more automatically. And once you deliver in one or two matches, it gives your confidence a different sort of boost altogether,” he added.
Versatile Player
Axar’s ability to adapt to different roles has made him a valuable asset to the Indian team. His improvement as a batter in recent years has not gone unnoticed, and the team management has increasingly relied on his versatility. His performances have not only cemented his place in the T20 squad but also opened doors for him in the ODI format.
As India prepares for the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka, all eyes will be on Axar Patel to see if he can continue his impressive form. With the T20 World Cup victory still fresh, his role as a dependable all-rounder is more critical than ever.
Stay updated with all the cricketing action, follow Cricadium on WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram, and Instagram
