All-rounder Axar Patel demonstrated his prowess with a stellar bowling performance as India surged to victory against Afghanistan in the first T20I in Mohali. Patel delivered the initial strike, dismantling the 50-run stand between Afghan openers Rahmanullah Guraz and Ibrahim Zadran. He continued his impressive spell, dismissing Guraz and Rahmat Shah in quick succession, contributing to Afghanistan’s eventual score of 57 for 3. With an economical execution, yielding only 23 runs across his four-over tenure, Patel’s skill on the pitch was palpable. As a vital player since his return from injury, he has maintained a consistent record as the second-highest wicket-taker against Australia and performed commendably in the ODI series versus South Africa.
At the conclusive press interaction post-match, Patel approached the topic of his selection for the forthcoming T20 World Cup with a mix of determination and ease. With an intense cricket schedule ahead, including the IPL and England’s Test series, he chose to focus on his current performance rather than succumb to selection pressure. ‘Aapne mera record dekha hoga, kuch bhi kar sakta hun main’ (You must have seen my record, I can do anything), Patel asserted, reflecting his unwavering confidence and commitment to maintaining his form. Nevertheless, he leveraged his downtime to enhance his craft at the National Cricket Academy, where he refined various elements of his bowling to adapt and thrive amidst competition.
Axar Patel not only focused on his agility and accuracy on the Mohali pitch but also deliberated his self-competition, directing his efforts on personal enhancement rather than external contention for World Cup squad placement. His commentary after the match resonated with a philosophy of self-focus, as he anticipates the upcoming IPL 2024 to showcase his capabilities. Throughout his recovery and training, Patel has sought to add depth to his technique, bettering his line, length, and variations. This dedication is evident as he continues to excel at applying pressure on batsmen, advocating for his spot in the Indian team with both performance and perseverance.