Axar Patel: The Spin Maestro Who Took Indian Cricket by Storm

Axar Patel, the left-arm orthodox spinner from Gujarat, has emerged as one of the key figures in Indian cricket, especially in limited-overs formats. Known for his precision, subtle variations, and calm demeanor on the field, Axar has cemented his place in the Indian team with his performances in both domestic and international cricket. His all-round capabilities, coupled with his ability to break partnerships with the ball, have made him a reliable asset for India. This article delves into Axar Patel's journey, his rise to prominence, and his contributions to Indian cricket.

Early Life and Background

Axar Patel was born on January 20, 1994, in Nadiad, Gujarat, into a modest family. Growing up, Axar showed an interest in cricket and was encouraged by his family to pursue the sport. Initially, his focus was on batting, but it was after joining the Gujarat Under-19 team that he started focusing on bowling. His coaches and mentors recognized his ability to spin the ball and he soon became known for his left-arm orthodox spin.

Axar’s rise in domestic cricket was steady but impressive. He began playing for Gujarat in 2012 and gradually caught the attention of selectors with his consistent performances in domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy. His strong performances in the domestic circuit, especially with the ball, brought him to the national selectors' radar.

Domestic Career

Axar Patel’s journey in domestic cricket was marked by his steady performances, particularly as an all-rounder. He was a key player for Gujarat, with his left-arm spin and his ability to contribute with the bat. Axar quickly established himself as one of the top spinners in the Indian domestic circuit, finishing as one of the leading wicket-takers in the Ranji Trophy.

His breakthrough in the Indian Premier League (IPL) came when he was picked up by the Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) in 2014. Axar's ability to bowl economically in the middle overs of the T20 format and break partnerships made him a valuable player for DC. His strong showings in the IPL provided him with the platform to showcase his talent on a larger stage.

International Debut and Rise to Prominence

Axar Patel made his debut for India in 2014, initially in the limited-overs formats. He was first included in the Indian squad for the 2014 series against Sri Lanka, and his ability to bowl in the middle overs with control and discipline soon caught the eye of selectors. Axar’s debut in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is) was solid, as he began to make an immediate impact with the ball.

However, it was during the 2020-2021 season that Axar truly announced himself on the international stage. He received his big break when he was selected for India’s Test squad during the home series against England in early 2021. Axar’s performance in the series was nothing short of sensational, especially in the second Test in Chennai, where he took 7 wickets in the match and was instrumental in India’s comprehensive victory. His remarkable control, ability to extract sharp turn, and natural variations made him a nightmare for batsmen.

Key Achievements and Milestones

1. Breakthrough Performance Against England (2021):
Axar Patel’s career took a huge leap when he was called up to play in the Test series against England in 2021. In his second Test match, Axar took 6 wickets in the first innings and followed it up with 5 wickets in the second innings, leading India to an innings win. His match-winning performance helped him quickly establish himself as a premier left-arm spinner for India.

2. Record-Breaking Debut in Test Cricket:
Axar made an even greater impact when he debuted in the 2021 series against England, taking 27 wickets in just 3 Test matches. His consistency, coupled with his brilliant economy rate, was a standout feature of his bowling. His performances helped India secure a crucial 3-1 victory in the series and also played a pivotal role in India’s No.1 ranking in Test cricket.

3. Consistent Performer in the IPL:
Axar Patel has been an integral part of the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. He has played a crucial role in controlling the middle overs and breaking crucial partnerships. Axar’s performances in the 2020 and 2021 seasons, where he bowled economically and picked important wickets, made him one of the most valuable players in the IPL.

4. Contributions with the Bat:
Though primarily known for his bowling, Axar has proven to be a handy lower-order batsman. He can hit the ball cleanly and has provided valuable runs when required, particularly in limited-overs formats. His batting contributions have often rescued India from tricky situations, and he has a reputation for being a dependable finisher in white-ball cricket.

Playing Style and Technique

Axar Patel’s primary strength lies in his left-arm orthodox spin bowling. He possesses an excellent control over his deliveries, often varying his pace and flight to trouble batsmen. His ability to extract sharp turn from the pitch makes him a lethal weapon, especially on turning wickets. Axar relies on his accuracy, and his ability to bowl a consistent line and length has made him a difficult bowler to attack.

Unlike many modern spinners who rely heavily on variations like the carom ball or googly, Axar’s strength lies in his classical style, where he focuses on hitting the right lengths and using flight to get the batsman out. His consistency with the ball has earned him the reputation of being a “tight” bowler—someone who doesn’t give away easy runs and always remains a threat.

As a batsman, Axar’s ability to play the long innings in crucial moments and contribute with the bat makes him a valuable asset, particularly in limited-overs formats. His calm approach in the lower order provides the team with an option for finishing matches.

Axar Patel’s Impact on Indian Cricket

Axar Patel’s rise to prominence has added depth to India’s bowling attack, particularly in the shorter formats of the game. His control and discipline in the middle overs make him a go-to option for India in ODIs and T20Is. His performance in Test cricket, particularly in India’s 2021 series against England, has shown that he is capable of performing under pressure, which is essential for a spinner in international cricket.

Axar’s ability to bowl well in tandem with other Indian spinners, such as Ravichandran Ashwin, has helped India build potent spin attacks that can dominate teams across different formats. His presence gives India an added advantage on turning tracks, and his contributions with both bat and ball have made him one of the most well-rounded players in the team.

Future Prospects

Axar Patel’s future in international cricket looks extremely bright. Given his control, consistency, and ability to perform in both domestic and international cricket, he is poised to play a crucial role in India’s cricketing future. With India’s growing emphasis on having multiple all-rounders and depth in their squad, Axar’s all-round abilities make him an indispensable member of the team.

As the Indian team continues to groom the next generation of players, Axar’s presence in both Test and limited-overs formats is likely to be vital in providing the team with balance and variety. His ability to bowl economically in the middle overs and contribute with the bat adds an important dimension to India’s game plan, especially in ICC tournaments and challenging conditions.

Conclusion

Axar Patel, with his exceptional left-arm spin, all-round capabilities, and calm persona, has become an invaluable asset to Indian cricket. His rise through domestic cricket, performances in the IPL, and breakthrough performances on the international stage have established him as one of India’s most promising spinners. With his consistency, skillset, and potential, Axar Patel is set to continue playing a crucial role in India’s cricketing success for years to come.