India all-rounder Axar Patel has reflected on his transformation from a nervous squad member to a reliable match-winner, recalling key moments from the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy that shaped his confidence ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo’s The Cricket Monthly, Axar admitted he carried anxiety into the 2024 tournament after India’s heavy semi-final defeat to England in the 2022 edition.

Axar said the scars of the 2022 loss, when England thrashed India by ten wickets, were still fresh in his mind, making the 2024 World Cup mentally challenging at the start. Those nerves resurfaced when India once again faced England in the semi-final, this time on a slow, turning pitch in Providence, Guyana. However, Axar said he quickly assessed the conditions and focused on executing his strengths rather than overthinking the occasion.

Recalling that match, Axar highlighted the confidence boost he received after dismissing England captain Jos Buttler with his very first delivery in the powerplay. He said understanding the wicket early helped him stay composed in a high-pressure knockout game and reinforced the importance of trusting his skills under pressure.

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Axar’s growing stature was further underlined in the final against South Africa, when he was unexpectedly promoted to No. 5 with India struggling at 34 for 3. He revealed that the decision was taken on the spot by Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid, leaving him little time to process the move. Partnering Virat Kohli, Axar played a crucial counter-attacking knock of 47 off 31 balls to shift momentum back in India’s favour.

That composure carried into the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand, where Axar made a vital contribution during a tricky chase. He recalled taking on Mitchell Santner at a decisive moment to ease the pressure, a move that reflected his growing tactical awareness.

As India prepare to defend their T20 World Cup title in 2026, Axar Patel’s calmness, adaptability and increasing responsibility with both bat and ball are expected to remain central to the team’s campaign.

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