Kolkata: Axar Patel missed his flight to Australia last November, but now he’s the vice-captain for the T20I series. Even though some decisions seem puzzling, Patel is still here at a time when Indian cricket is changing, giving him a great chance to prove he’s essential for all formats of the game.
In recent years, especially in India, Patel has stepped in as a backup for Ravindra Jadeja. While they have similar skills, Patel has shown he can be as good, if not better. In the 2021-22 Test season, he took five wickets in five matches! His better bowling rate shows he is ready to take over when Jadeja is unavailable, especially in red-ball cricket.
Patel has already played in a T20 World Cup final and was picked for the 2023 ODI World Cup squad, but he got injured and had to step out. Some say it was tricky to decide on Patel’s role when Jadeja was fit, but there were also concerns about Patel’s batting in T20s. However, that has changed.
Now, India is using Patel as a flexible batsman, allowing other players to do the same based on different situations in the game. “It’s not just about me,” Patel shared. “From the start of 2024, we agreed to have a fixed opening position, but for the other batting spots, everyone can switch depending on who is performing best.”
This approach has paid off for Patel. His T20I batting average climbed from 14.25 to 25.15, and his strike rate jumped from 132.55 to nearly 148 since November 2022. In the last two years, he has hit three times more sixes than before.
With Jadeja planning to retire from T20Is after the 2024 final, Patel’s role is becoming even more important. His promotion to vice-captain shows how valuable he is, especially looking ahead to the next T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February-March 2026. Success in this series could further strengthen Patel’s position.
Patel remains calm amid the pressure. “I’ve played all formats and just focus on doing well when I get a chance,” he explained. “I don’t really feel the need to prove myself. I think more about how to seize opportunities than about my place in the team. I know only a few players can be picked, and my spot isn’t guaranteed. I just want to fulfill my role and keep getting better. If I perform, my spot will take care of itself.”
Leave a Reply