From spinning webs to smashing boundaries, Axar Patel’s all-round prowess makes him India’s newest T20I vice-captain
In a cricketing world rife with flair and fireworks, Axar Patel stands out as a no-nonsense player. India’s latest T20I team announcement for the England series showed a surprise but intriguing addition: Axar Patel as vice-captain. With Shubman Gill missing and Hardik Pandya not wearing the captain’s hat this time, the choice puts Axar in a prominent position.
The elevation seems like a well-deserved accolade for someone who has quietly developed into one of India’s most dependable all-rounders. His job, however, is more than simply being Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy; he is also the floater, able to slip into any batting position or scenario and make an impact.
#TeamIndia vice-captain #AxarPatel says he is focused on the role assigned to him and wants to improve consistently.#INDvENG #India #England pic.twitter.com/q72AyRX4Wd
— Circle of Cricket (@circleofcricket) January 20, 2025
Axar Patel’s growth in the Twenty20 format has been anything but traditional. Usually regarded as a left-arm spinner, his game has evolved into a versatile weapon. Axar thrives under pressure, whether he scores 65 runs in crunch time at the T20 World Cup final against South Africa or restricts batters with his pinpoint bowling.
The statistics make a compelling narrative. Until the end of 2022, his batting average and strike rate were 21.26 and 131.25, respectively. Fast forward to today, and his average has risen to 30.32 with a strike rate of 145.62, demonstrating his developing confidence and versatility. With six fifties under his belt and batting positions ranging from third to seventh, Axar’s progress as a batter is apparent.
Axar at home is an entirely different beast. The numbers back it up. In India, his batting strike rate rises to an astounding 148.61, with a respectable average of 23.77. While he hasn’t scored many centuries or runs, his ability to produce rapid boosts in the scorecard makes him a great asset in Indian conditions.
When it comes to bowling, his 7.15 economy rate in India is a captain’s dream. His ability to execute under pressure and shatter partnerships sets him apart.
England may be one of the most explosive teams in T20 cricket, but Axar Patel can hold his own against them. With a bowling average of 33.33 and an economy rate of 7.69 against the English squad, Axar has shown to be a reliable choice. His best performance, a 3/23 spell, remains a career highlight.
On the batting front, his figures against England may not stand out (34 runs with a strike rate of 161.90), but his ability to adapt to any circumstance cannot be overlooked.
Choosing to designate Axar Patel as vice-captain reflects a change in Team India’s outlook on the future. He symbolises a new generation of all-rounders who can hit sixes and bowl dot balls. His consistent success throughout the years has earned him this position, and his calm demeanour makes him a suitable leader for a changing team.
The forthcoming T20I series against England will put Axar Patel to the test as a player and a captain. Can he deliver with the increased responsibility of vice-captaincy? If his numbers and recent form are any indication, Axar is more than prepared to step up and make his mark.
As the Champions Trophy approaches, having Axar Patel in a leadership role feels like a step in the right way. A player who excels at adaptability and keeps calm under duress may be the ideal leader for this new-look roaster.
