For most cricketers, making an international debut is a test of nerves. The pressure, the expectations, the weight of the moment—it can overwhelm even the most talented players. But Axar Patel? He had something entirely different in mind. Instead of just making a mark, he went on a record-breaking spree that left England in shambles.
On this day in 2021, Axar Patel cemented his name in cricketing history by picking up his third five-wicket haul in the series. By the end of his first-ever Test series, he had scalped a staggering 27 wickets, tying him with the legendary Dilip Doshi as India’s highest wicket-taker in a debut Test series. But here’s where it gets even more remarkable—Doshi took six matches to reach that milestone. Axar? He did it in just three.
His ability to turn the ball sharply, extract bounce, and deceive batters with his variations made him an unstoppable force on rank turners. England’s batters, already struggling against spin, had no answers to Axar’s relentless accuracy. His standout performance came when he registered figures of 6/61, showcasing not just his skill but his ability to thrive under pressure.
What made Axar’s feat even more special was that this wasn’t a fluke or a one-off performance. Across the series, he consistently delivered, ensuring that India dominated the opposition. Alongside Ravichandran Ashwin, he formed a lethal spin duo that tormented England and played a crucial role in India’s series victory.
For a bowler making his Test debut, such a performance is the stuff of dreams. Axar didn’t just announce himself on the big stage—he made sure his name would be etched in the record books. What was supposed to be a routine series turned into one of the most memorable debut performances in cricket history.
From a debutant to a record-breaker in just three matches—Axar Patel’s incredible journey in 2021 was nothing short of extraordinary.
