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Axar Patel has emerged as one of the most promising talents in Indian cricket. As an all-rounder and left-arm spinner, he has made significant contributions to the national team. Let's take a closer look at his journey and the impact he has had on Indian cricket.
Born on January 20, 1994, in Anand, Gujarat, Axar Patel started his cricketing career at a young age. He made his debut for Gujarat in 2012 as a left-handed batsman and slow left-arm orthodox bowler. His performances in domestic cricket caught the attention of selectors and paved the way for his future success.
Patel's exceptional control and variation earned him a spot in the Mumbai Indians IPL franchise in 2013. Although his stint with Mumbai Indians was short-lived, it laid the foundation for his breakthrough with Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and later with Delhi Capitals. His consistent performances in the IPL caught the eye of national selectors.
In June 2014, Patel earned his first international cap in One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Bangladesh. With accurate and spin-friendly bowling, he established himself as a dependable all-rounder in limited-overs cricket. His notable performances include picking up crucial wickets during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup and making valuable contributions during the 2016 Asia Cup.
Although Patel made waves in limited-overs formats, it took him some time to make an impact in Test cricket. However, when given an opportunity against England in 2021, he made it count by claiming an astonishing 11 wickets on debut. His accuracy, subtle variations like carrom ball and arm ball, along with his ability to extract turn from placid tracks, make him a potent force in the longer format of the game.
Patel's emergence has bolstered India's already formidable bowling arsenal. His tight lines and crucial wickets have made him a valuable asset to the team. He provides valuable support to established spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, adding depth and variety to the attack. Patel's exceptional accuracy and control create immense pressure on batsmen, forcing them to make mistakes.
One of the key aspects of Patel's bowling is his ability to execute unpredictable variations. His carrom ball and arm ball make it challenging for opposition batters to pick his deliveries. These subtle variations keep batsmen guessing and contribute significantly to Patel's success on the field. His unique skill set adds an extra dimension to India's bowling attack.
At 29 years old, Axar Patel has already showcased his versatility as a player who can contribute with both bat and ball. This makes him a valuable asset for future Indian campaigns across all formats of the game. As he continues to refine his skills and gain experience, there is no doubt that he will play a crucial role in India's success.
