Axar Patel Reflects on His Journey as Vice-Captain Ahead of T20 World Cup

Axar Patel: A Key Player in India’s T20I Leadership Group

Axar Patel has been appointed vice-captain of India’s T20I team for the upcoming World Cup. As an all-rounder, he is eager to contribute as part of the leadership group. In an exclusive interview with , Axar shared his insights on his growth and expectations from the upcoming tournament.

Growth and Maturation as a Cricketer

“With the T20 World Cup approaching, the next couple of months are crucial,” says Axar. Reflecting on his journey since the last T20 World Cup, he mentions, “This journey started from the previous edition of the T20 World Cup. I’ve been maturing day by day as a cricketer.”

He attributes his growth to his captaincy role with the Delhi Capitals, where he learned important aspects of game awareness and leadership. "A combination of confidence and a clear mindset have made my journey smoother over the last two years."

Overcoming Challenges in His Career

Axar recalls the challenges he faced after being part of the World Cup team in 2015 but not getting to play. He missed the 2021 T20 World Cup and the 2023 ODI World Cup, which he describes as difficult times. “Whatever I am today is because of those challenges,” he states, emphasizing the importance of resilience during tough situations.

He adds, “In the last T20 World Cup final, I was very calm under pressure, a reflection of my growth as a sportsperson.”

Defining His Role Beyond Being a Backup

When asked about shedding the image of being a backup for Ravindra Jadeja, Axar confidently replies, “Absolutely. A spot was created for me, and I’ve never viewed myself as competing with Jadeja.” This change in perception post the T20 World Cup has allowed him to flourish in his own right.

Responsibility as an All-Rounder

Axar shares how he has been given greater responsibility in the batting lineup. He emphasizes his evolution from a batsman to a full-time spinner and how he worked hard to improve his batting after facing setbacks.

"When MS Dhoni was the mentor of the 2021 World Cup team, he helped me realize that I had to trust my abilities,” Axar explains.

Thriving in a Flexible Batting Order

Discussing his role in a flexible batting lineup, Axar believes that when he is sent up the order, it reflects the team’s faith in his abilities. “I don’t think of myself as a floater; I have a specific role similar to a specialist batter,” he explains.

Balancing Fun and Leadership

In response to his cheerful demeanor, Axar admits, “My nature is to keep things light-hearted, but being in a leadership group requires a level of seriousness.” He understands the balance between maintaining a fun atmosphere and focusing on performance.

Finding Time to Switch Off

When it comes to unwinding, Axar enjoys hanging out with friends and having personal time. “I avoid watching cricket content to relax. Instead, I follow PUBG mobile tournaments and have recently developed an interest in Korean dramas,” he shares.

Reflecting on Past Performances

Axar is not one to dwell on past performances but does review clips of his best efforts before a tournament. “I like to remember my mindset during those times and see if there has been any evolution in my game,” he concludes.

This interaction was facilitated by JSW Sports, highlighting Axar Patel’s growth trajectory and his aspirations as a pivotal player in the upcoming T20 World Cup. With a blend of experience and fresh energy, he looks set to make a significant impact.