Axar Patel's Meteoric Rise: From Test Hero to T20 World Cup Leadership
In the final week of February 2021, Axar Patel's international cricket career truly ignited at the revamped Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Playing a pivotal role in demolishing England during the Test series, he announced his arrival on the big stage. Now, five years later, he returns to his home turf as a core member of India's leadership group, with the T20 World Cup reaching its climax as India faces South Africa on Sunday.
Transformation Through Adversity
Axar's journey was not without challenges. The three years he spent out of the Indian team prior to 2021 proved transformative, helping him identify areas for personal and professional growth. In a January interview with TOI, Axar revealed that this period allowed him to understand what it takes to become a better cricketer and person, shaping his current mindset and approach to the game.
The Personal Side: Simplicity and Home Comforts
Despite his on-screen carefree and humorous demeanor, which often becomes social media meme material, Axar maintains an uncomplicated lifestyle. He has invested his cricket earnings in building a new house in his hometown of Nadiad, approximately 60 kilometers from Ahmedabad. This serves as his sanctuary during breaks from the Indian team, where he enjoys simple pleasures like cheese vada paav and relaxation with friends.
Rigorous Training and Community Impact
Axar's training regimen is meticulously detailed and rigorous. His extensive sessions are scheduled at the GS Patel Stadium in Kheda district, where he has personally funded renovations to transform basic facilities into a high-end fitness center for local youth. The gym now features images of top Indian cricketers, inspiring the next generation.
His childhood friend and confidant Keval Patel shared insights into Axar's training philosophy. Before joining the Indian team for the T20 World Cup, Axar conducted specialized batting sessions with Delhi Capitals, focusing on scenarios after the 15th over—likely preparing for lower-order batting roles. He practices four to five hours daily, alternating between new ball techniques and power-hitting drills on the center square.
Dietary Discipline and Support System
Central to Axar's success is his wife Meha, a qualified dietician who manages his nutrition meticulously. Even while traveling with the Indian team, every meal is cleared by her. Keval noted that during breaks, Axar indulges in favorite foods, with Meha adjusting subsequent meals accordingly to maintain balance.
Bowling Evolution and Self-Belief
While his utility batting has gained attention recently, Axar's left-arm spin remains crucial. His bowling drills focus on spot bowling, emphasizing consistent pitching with variations in pace and angles. He overcame early criticism to establish himself, telling TOI in 2021 that he must be special to succeed without being a conventional spinner. Though he consulted with R Ashwin, Axar humorously admitted he doesn't engage in such deep thinking.
From Understated to Potential Poster Boy
Axar's confidence in batting was bolstered by MS Dhoni's advice in 2018 to think like a regular batter, further developed with Ricky Ponting's support at Delhi Capitals from 2019. His journey from an understated cricketer to a potential poster boy of Indian cricket could reach new heights in the coming weeks of the T20 World Cup, showcasing his evolution both on and off the field.
