Axar Patel’s journey to the T20 World Cup triumph was filled with adversity. A left quadricep injury ruled him out of the ODI World Cup last year, leaving him unsure of his future. However, he refused to lose hope. Drawing on his experience, Axar remained positive, worked hard during rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy, and focused on building mental toughness. He found his form during the home series against Afghanistan and followed it up with a solid IPL season for Delhi Capitals, where he excelled in both bowling and batting, showcasing his all-rounder skills. This confidence carried over to the T20 World Cup, making him a pivotal player for the Indian team. He bowled tight overs, took stunning catches near the boundary rope, and contributed significantly with the bat, forming a crucial partnership with Virat Kohli in the final against South Africa.
In an interview, Axar spoke about his emotional rollercoaster journey. He admitted to overthinking missing out on opportunities due to injury, but ultimately, he used his experience to deal with the setback and prepare for the future. His focus shifted to improving his game, and he made adjustments to his batting and bowling during rehabilitation. This positive mindset translated into strong performances in the bilateral series, the IPL, and ultimately, the T20 World Cup. Axar attributed his success to his ability to adapt to different situations and his team’s support. He emphasized the importance of a competitive environment, stating that it pushes him to improve and not take things for granted.
Regarding his role as a batsman, Axar explained that he had experience batting at No. 4 in domestic cricket and the IPL, which allowed him to pace the innings and take calculated risks. He learned to adapt his approach according to the situation, understanding when to accelerate and when to rotate strike. This strategic approach, combined with the captain and coach’s backing, helped him contribute effectively to the team.
Axar highlighted the importance of understanding one’s game and how to contribute to the team’s success. He shared his process of taking a few seconds to analyze the situation and determine the best course of action, whether it’s accelerating, maintaining a steady pace, or choosing the right bowling strategy. He emphasized that players shouldn’t be confined to a single style of play, but should adapt their game according to the situation, and this flexibility is crucial for success.
Looking ahead, Axar acknowledged the importance of a new coach and captain and the need to align their roles and strategies. While he doesn’t set specific expectations, he focuses on continuous improvement and planning for the future. Having achieved the long-term goal of winning a World Cup, the team will now work together to plan the next steps and build on their success.
