In a significant development for Indian cricket, the national selectors have appointed all-rounder Axar Patel as the vice-captain for the upcoming T20 World Cup. This move officially integrates him into India's T20I leadership group. Ahead of the marquee ICC tournament, Patel shared his thoughts on this new responsibility, his cricketing evolution, and the challenging journey that brought him here.
From World Cup Heartbreak to Leadership Role
Axar Patel's path to the leadership group has been paved with resilience. He reflected on missing out on major tournaments like the 2021 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup after initial selection, and being part of the 2015 squad without playing a game. "Those days were very difficult for me," he admitted. However, he credits that phase for his current strength, stating that it taught him to stay positive and identify his needs as a sportsperson. This mental fortitude was on full display during the high-pressure 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa, where his crucial knock of 47 runs off 31 balls helped steer India to victory.
Shedding the 'Backup' Tag and Embracing a Defined Role
A major theme of Patel's recent career has been stepping out of the shadow of being seen as a deputy to star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. "Absolutely," he responded when asked if the World Cup final helped shed that image. "Since then or just before the T20 World Cup, I have never been seen as a replacement for Jaddu bhai. A spot was created for me." He emphasized that he never saw himself competing with Jadeja, but instead focused on adding dimensions to his game to become indispensable.
His role as a batsman has also evolved. The team management now entrusts him with specific, flexible batting positions, moving away from the notion of him being a mere 'floater'. "I am given a role like any other specialist batter," he explained, highlighting the trust placed in his abilities. He also revealed how advice from MS Dhoni during the 2021 T20 World Cup helped him overcome self-doubt and regain confidence in his batting, which was his original skill before he became a full-time spinner at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
Balancing Fun with Serious Leadership
Known for his cheerful demeanor, Axar Patel acknowledges that his new status in the leadership group requires a slight shift. "My nature is to be a fun-loving guy, but when you’re a senior player or in a leadership group, you have to draw a line," he said. He believes in maintaining a positive environment but ensures it doesn't compromise the serious business on the field. His captaincy stint with the Delhi Capitals in the IPL was instrumental in this growth, enhancing his game awareness and understanding of player management.
To switch off from the pressures of international cricket, Patel enjoys simple pleasures. He spends time with friends, values personal 'me-time', and has recently developed a liking for Korean dramas. An interesting hobby is following the PUBG Mobile tournament on YouTube, a conscious effort to detach from cricket content. For his game, he selectively reviews clips of his better performances before a tournament to reconnect with the mindset that brought success, ensuring his technique hasn't drifted involuntarily.
With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, Axar Patel stands as a matured cricketer and a vital leader in the Indian setup. His journey from periods of exclusion to a vice-captaincy role is a testament to his perseverance and continuous improvement, making him a key figure for India's campaign.
