Did you know Axar Patel has already clinched 8 Player of the Match awards in T20 Internationals for India? In fact, only three Indian players stand above him on that list - Suryakumar Yadav, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma. That’s elite company. Yet, Axar’s name rarely dominates headlines or social media. No hype, no theatrics - just consistent, game-changing performances.
Axar has long been one of India’s most underrated match-winners, delivering quietly in the toughest moments. He doesn’t always produce flashy fifties or devastating five-wicket hauls, but his impact is undeniable.
The World Cup, Australia & That Yuvraj Record
Rewind to the 2024 T20 World Cup final - most remember Virat Kohli’s gritty 76 or Jasprit Bumrah’s clinical spell. But few talk about the moment India were 34/3 and staring down disaster. It was Axar Patel who walked in and scored a crucial 47 off 31 balls, setting the platform for India’s eventual match-winning total of 176. Without that knock, there might not have been a final to celebrate.
Most recently, in the 4th T20I against Australia, Axar once again stepped up. He smashed a quickfire 21 off just 11 balls*, giving India the final push past 160. With the ball, he returned figures of 2 for 20 in his 4 overs, showcasing top-tier control and economy. Unsurprisingly, he was named Player of the Match - his eighth, moving ahead of none other than Yuvraj Singh in the all-time Indian list.
But his value goes beyond one-off performances. Over 82 T20Is, Axar has taken 79 wickets at an impressive economy of 7.25. With the bat, he’s contributed at an average of 20, striking at 138, often stepping in during crunch moments. And let’s not forget - he’s a livewire in the field, saving runs that don’t show up in scorecards.
In a team stacked with superstars, Axar Patel remains India’s ultimate utility weapon - the kind of player every champion side needs but few truly appreciate.
So the next time someone questions his place, remind them: he doesn’t just play matches, he wins them.
Also Watch: Bowlers turn up the heat; Aussies feel the burn - 3 reasons India won
