AN ALL ROUNDER RISES!! Axar Patel's Rise Cements India's Middle Order

Axar Patel is steadily carving a niche as a dependable all-rounder in white-ball cricket, attributing his transformation to a newfound "self-belief." The left-arm spinner showcased his dual skills in India’s 44-run victory over New Zealand in a Champions Trophy match on Sunday, scoring a vital 42 and dismissing the dangerous Kane Williamson. For Axar, this performance is a testament to his evolving mindset and growing confidence.

Reflecting on his journey, Axar admitted that earlier struggles weighed on him. "I wasn’t able to click, and it lingered in my mind that I couldn’t showcase my talent," he said in a mixed-zone interaction with reporters. "Maybe I was putting too much pressure on myself despite knowing I had the ability." A turning point came in 2022 against the West Indies in Barbados, where his unbeaten 64 off 35 balls powered India to chase 312. "After that match, I knew I could finish games. That self-belief changed everything," he added.

His promotion to No. 5 in the batting order has further fueled his growth. "Earlier, I’d come in lower and had to score quickly. Now, with more batsmen behind me, I have time to play the situation," Axar explained. This flexibility was evident in his 98-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer against New Zealand, setting a competitive total.

Axar also praised teammate Varun Chakravarthy, whose 5/42 spell sealed the win. "Credit goes to him. After a tough T20 World Cup in 2021, his comeback shows his mental strength," Axar said. He highlighted Chakravarthy’s deceptive pace and unreadable action as key weapons, noting, "If a batter misses his line, they’re in trouble."