New Delhi. When the brightest stars in Indian cricket are discussed, some players are often left behind whose contribution is very important. He plays a big role in the team’s victory, but the limelight often goes to someone else. Indian team’s reliable all-rounder Akshar is also counted among such players.
Akshar Patel, who has made important contributions in both the bowling, batting and fielding departments, sometimes gives such performances which perhaps do not garner as much discussion as they deserve. But for the captain, he is the same player who comes in handy in difficult times and strengthens the balance of the team.
Why did Suryakumar Yadav have to apologize?
Indian T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav had made an interesting revelation that once Axar Patel got angry with him because of the team selection decision. This matter was related to the match between India and South Africa during the World Cup. In that match, Akshar Patel was kept out of the team and India had to face defeat by more than 70 runs. In that match, Indian bowling looked scattered and while chasing the target of around 200 runs, the team was reduced to just 111 runs. Later Suryakumar Yadav admitted that Akshar was very angry with that decision and he understands this. He told ‘The Indian Express’ that he was very angry and rightfully so. He is an experienced player and also captains a franchise. I apologized to him. I said that I made a mistake and I am sorry, but this decision was taken in the interest of the team.”
Contribution of letters is bigger than figures
If we talk only about T20 International cricket, then Akshar Patel’s figures also show his importance. In 94 matches, he has taken 97 wickets at an excellent economy of 7.40, while in batting he has also scored 702 runs at a strike rate of 133. However, their contribution cannot be fully understood through statistics alone. For example, the match against West Indies can be remembered, where India’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals were pinned. Even though Akshar recorded figures of 0/35 in that match, when the economy of other bowlers was above 9, he controlled the run rate to a great extent.
Played a big role in the semi-finals also
Akshar also played an important role in the semi-final against England. When the partnership was forming between Jacob Bithell and Tom Banton, he brought relief to India by dismissing Banton. Apart from this, he also showed amazing performance in fielding. He kept India in the match by taking brilliant catches of Harry Brook and Salt. Even took an excellent partnership catch with Shivam Dubey. When the team missed 15 catches in the entire tournament, Akshar emerged as the most reliable fielder.
Did your work in the final also
Even in the final of the tournament, Akshar Patel came quietly and did his job. While all eyes were on Bumrah’s four wickets, Akshar also recorded excellent figures of 3/27. He changed the course of the match by sending dangerous batsmen Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell to the pavilion.
Also played an important role in 2024 World Cup
Earlier also in T20 World Cup 2024, Axar Patel had played an important role in India’s victory. He took nine wickets in eight matches and his economy was also less than 8. In the final, when India’s score was 34 runs for 3 wickets and the team was under pressure, Akshar Patel took charge of the team by playing an important inning of 37 runs in 31 balls. This is considered to be one of his most important innings in T20 International.
Will you always be ‘underrated’?
This time also in the T20 World Cup, Akshar Patel did the same thing which he has always been doing, his work quietly. Perhaps this is the reason why he is often called an ‘underrated’ player. But as long as his performances continue to help the team win, perhaps this word will remain associated with him. It is possible that even after World Cup 2027, we will be talking about Axar Patel in the same way.