Axar Patel, the left-arm spinning all-rounder who missed out on the ODI World Cup due to injury, has roared back onto the scene with grit and gumption. Shrugging off his disappointment, he’s quickly climbed back into the Indian fold, his impressive performances catching the eye of BCCI selectors and fans alike.
Since his post-World Cup return, Axar Patel has been a consistent wicket-taker and economical presence in India’s T20I victories against Australia and Afghanistan. Ten wickets in seven matches at a miserly 5.85 economy rate speak volumes about his disciplined bowling.
Even on flat, batsman-friendly pitches, Axar Patel has managed to find ways to trouble batters. Barring the opening T20I game against Australia, he’s been among the wickets in every subsequent T20I, keeping batsmen quiet even when wickets haven’t come easy.
His focus on stump-to-stump lines, variations in pace, and clever use of the crease have left batsmen guessing, creating confusion and opportunities for wickets. Axar’s dedication to quick recovery and domestic game time after his injury has also impressed the BCCI selectors.
“He’s on the ball right from the outset, something that has gone down really well with the selectors,” revealed a BCCI source to Telegraph India. His confidence and improved powerplay bowling, a notoriously difficult phase for spinners, further bolster his case.
Axar Patel most-certain for T20 World Cup 2024 (T20 WC)
With the IPL and T20 World Cup on the horizon, Axar’s resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time. His consistent wicket-taking, economical bowling, and newfound confidence have made him a vital cog in India’s T20 plans.
“I was trying to bowl for a few years, but there wasn’t that confidence earlier,” said Axar Patel himself. “Now I continuously bowl in the same areas and challenge the batsman to take chances.”
So, while the final call for the World Cup squad rests with the BCCI selectors, one thing’s clear: Axar Patel is spinning his way back into contention.
The left-arm wonder’s journey from quad comeback to World Cup hopeful is far from over, and with every impactful performance, he inches closer to his cricketing dreams.
