Axar Patel – IPL Journey of a Young, Versatile All-Rounder
Cricket is more than just a sport in India, it’s a passion that unites millions of fans across the country. The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the pinnacle of this passion, where the best players from around the world come together to showcase their skills in a high-octane, T20 format. One such player who has made a name for himself in the IPL is Axar Patel, a young and versatile all-rounder from Gujarat. Let’s take a closer look at his journey in the IPL so far.
Early Years and IPL Debut
Axar Patel was born on 20 January 1994 in Nadiad, Gujarat. He started playing cricket at a young age and was soon picked up by the state selectors. He made his debut for Gujarat in the 2012-13 season of the Ranji Trophy and impressed with his left-arm spin. His performances caught the eye of the Mumbai Indians, who signed him up for the 2013 IPL.
In his debut season, Axar played just one match, against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he bowled four overs and gave away 28 runs, but failed to pick up any wickets. However, his talent was evident, and he was retained by the Mumbai Indians for the 2014 season.
Emergence as a Key Player with Kings XI Punjab
However, Axar did not get a chance to play for Mumbai Indians in the 2014 IPL, as he was bought by the Kings XI Punjab in the player auction. It turned out to be a wise decision, as Axar established himself as a key player for Kings XI Punjab in his debut season. He played all 16 matches, picking up 17 wickets and scoring 83 runs, which earned him the Emerging Player of the Year award.
Over the next few seasons, Axar continued to be a vital cog in the Kings XI Punjab lineup. In 2015, he played 14 matches, taking 9 wickets and scoring 139 runs. In 2016, he played all 14 matches, scoring 227 runs and taking 13 wickets. He was also named the Man of the Match in the game against the Gujarat Lions, where he scored a crucial 34 runs and picked up two wickets.
Best IPL Season and International Call-up
Axar’s best season in the IPL came in 2017, where he played a crucial role in helping Kings XI Punjab reach the playoffs. He played 14 matches, picking up 15 wickets and scoring 227 runs. His performances earned him a call-up to the Indian national team for the limited-overs series against Australia.
Shift to Delhi Capitals and Steady Performances
After a successful stint with Kings XI Punjab, Axar was bought by the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the 2019 IPL. He played 14 matches for Delhi, scoring 110 runs and taking 10 wickets. He was retained by the team for the 2020 season, where he played a key role in helping Delhi reach the final. He played 15 matches, picking up 9 wickets and scoring 69 runs.