Axar Patel return to the Indian T20 scene was more than just a comeback – it was a revelation. After battling a quadriceps injury, the left-arm spinner emerged from NCA rehab not just healed, but weaponized.
He spoke to reporters after India’s win against Afghanistan in Mohali, and his words brimmed with newfound confidence and a refined approach to the game.
“Rehab wasn’t about wasting time,” he declared. “It was a chance to sharpen my tools. I added 5-10% to my bowling by working on pace variations and crease utilization. As a spinner, it’s crucial to squeeze every drop of potential.”
This commitment to improvement wasn’t limited to Axar Patel arsenal. His mindset, too, underwent a metamorphosis. “Economy used to be my mantra,” he admitted. “Now, it’s all about attack. I trust myself to take wickets, not just save runs.”
Axar Patel on Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya
The flat Mohali pitch couldn’t dampen Axar Patel fire. He navigated the cold conditions with a cunning plan, waiting for the batters to make a move. Two wickets for 23 runs – not bad for a surface offering no inherent advantage.
“Both Rohit and Hardik have been fantastic captains,” Axar said when asked about leadership styles. “They empower me to own my plans, only stepping in when things stray. It’s a captain’s dream to have such trust.”
Axar’s words paint a picture of a player reborn. He’s no longer just a dependable spinner – he’s a proactive wicket-taker, brimming with confidence and relishing the freedom his captains grant him. This is a new Axar Patel, and his return spells trouble for opposing batsmen, regardless of who wears the captain’s armband.
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