We Indians love cricket a little too much, and the players even more. In a country with an exceptional pool of cricketing talent, names are often made overnight and, sadly, forgotten just as quickly. But some players, away from the spotlight, quietly go about their business, delivering consistently without much fanfare. One such unsung hero is Axar Patel.
Time and again, Axar has stepped up in high-pressure situations that demand more than just technical expertise. While others may falter, he’s the one who raises his hand and delivers — every single time.
Axar Patel: The Batsman, The Bowler, The Key Player
Axar Patel came in as a bowling all-rounder. He gained eyeballs right from his phenomenal test debut against England when he bagged a five-fer. Acar backed that up with a 11-wicket hall in the rank turner in Ahmedabad.
But what’s really commendable is how Axar has upped his game with his batting skills. I look at him batting and I see a proper batsman.
Affectionately referred to as ‘bapu’, Axar Patel has consistently impressed with his batting, especially in difficult circumstances. Although he’s primarily known as an all-rounder, he has shown time and again that he is more than capable with the bat. Whether it’s coming in at a lower position or being sent up the order when the team is in a tricky situation, Axar has delivered. His performances in the 2024 T20 World Cup against England and South Africa were crucial for India’s success.
Consistent Performances
Axar’s ability to handle pressure is one of his standout features. Time and again, he has been called upon to bat in challenging situations and, more often than not, has risen to the occasion. He doesn’t just throw his bat around recklessly but plays with a calm head and a clear plan. His presence in the middle order has provided stability for India, and his ability to adapt to various roles showcases his versatility.
For instance, who can forget the 2024 T20 World Cup final. When India found themselves in a dire situation at 34/3, Axar Patel was sent in at a crucial point. In one of the tensest situations possible, he contributed an invaluable 47 runs off 31 balls alongside Virat Kohli, playing an essential role in steadying the ship. His composure and calculated aggression helped the team recover and set a competitive total, showing that in pressure-filled moments.
Axar’s resilience has been evident in Test matches too. A perfect example is his performance in the 2023 Test match against Australia in Delhi. Again, India was in a precarious position at 6/135. With the tailenders, Axar stepped up and played a heroic knock of 74 runs, helping India recover and post a respectable total.
The Indian camp also trusts him with he coming to bat before KL Rahul in this year’s Champions Trophy. More on this later
The Key Difference: Handling Pressure
The biggest distinction between Axar Patel and KL Rahul is how they handle pressure. KL Rahul, despite his technical ability, has shown time and again that when the pressure mounts, his game tends to collapse. Whether it’s on the big stage or in crucial IPL moments, Rahul’s inability to seize the game when the team needs him most is becoming a worrying trend.
On the other hand, Axar Patel thrives under pressure. He remains composed, adapts to the situation, and often plays a crucial role in helping his team cross the line. While he may not have the flair of Rahul, his ability to contribute in difficult scenarios makes him invaluable.
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