Axar Rajeshbhai Patel, a left-arm spinner and a promising all-rounder, has made a name for himself in the world of cricket. Hailing from India, Patel has shown great potential with both bat and ball, making him a valuable player for his team.
Born on January 20, 1994, in Anand, Gujarat, Patel had a modest start to his cricketing career. In his debut season for Gujarat, he played only one first-class game, but it was in 2013 that he truly began to make waves. Patel was a key contributor to India Under-23s’ triumph in the ACC Emerging Teams Cup, with his impressive performance earning him recognition. He picked up seven wickets in the tournament, including a four-for in the crucial semi-final against UAE.
The year 2013 was also significant for Patel as he caught the attention of Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Although he did not play a single game that season, it was a stepping stone to better opportunities. In the following year, he joined Kings XI Punjab and showcased his skills, taking 16 wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.22. This remarkable performance earned him a spot in the Indian ODI squad for the Bangladesh tour, although he played only one match.
Patel made his T20 debut against Zimbabwe in 2015 and began a journey of consistent performances in limited-overs cricket. Over the next three years, he found himself in and out of the national team, often stepping in for Ravindra Jadeja. However, his real breakthrough came during the 2021 England series when Jadeja’s injury allowed him to make his Test debut. Patel proved his worth by claiming five wickets in his first Test and followed it up with an astonishing 11-wicket haul in the third Test, finishing the series with an impressive tally of 27 wickets.
In 2022, Patel showcased his batting skills, capturing attention not only for his bowling prowess but also for his ability with the bat. He reached a significant milestone by scoring a quickfire fifty off just 27 balls in an ODI against West Indies, securing a series win for India. This innings highlighted his potential as a genuine all-rounder, capable of making significant contributions in all formats of the game.
Patel’s statistics reflect his consistent performances and growing reputation in the cricketing world. As of the last update, he has taken 29 wickets at an average of 23.58 in the Ranji Trophy and 27 wickets in Test matches at an impressive average of 12.96. Moreover, he has scored valuable runs, accumulating 369 runs at an average of 46.12 in domestic cricket.
Axar Patel’s journey from a young and talented cricketer to a match-winner for the Indian cricket team has been inspiring. His ability to contribute with both ball and bat makes him a valuable asset for any team he represents. As he continues to hone his skills and gain more experience, one can expect Patel to make even more significant contributions to Indian cricket in the years to come.