Kane Williamson was the largest obstacle between India and a flawless group-stage record in the Champions Trophy, keeping New Zealand’s pursuit of 250 going with a serene 81.
Playing defensively, Williamson finally got out while trying to play a big shot off Axar Patel. The ball came in, beating Williamson’s bat, and KL Rahul finished the stumping.
This dismissal, on the final ball of Axar’s spell (10-0-32-1), underscored his precision and capacity to make the most of favorable conditions. But his performance was still overshadowed by Varun Chakravarthy’s five-wicket haul.
Breaking Free from the ‘Poor Man’s Jadeja’ Tag
Axar Patel has been compared to Ravindra Jadeja for ages, considering the two share similarities as left-arm spinners and left-handed batsmen. For years, he could not surpass Jadeja’s shadow, but he understood that he had to enhance his batting in order to make a different identity for himself.
A break came in 2022 when Axar’s unbeaten score of 64 against the West Indies in Barbados gave him a boost of confidence.
“After that game against the West Indies, I realized I could complete matches. Once I had that confidence in myself, I didn’t really think much about whether I wanted to display batting to anyone or not,” Axar explained.
India’s Bold Gamble: Axar at No. 5
In spite of Axar’s limited top-order batting experience, India’s team management took the bold step to push him to No. 5, replacing KL Rahul, who has an excellent record in that role.
Since being fitted into this position in the Sri Lanka ODI series last year, Axar has played consistent cricket, scoring 52, 41, 8, 3, 42, and 27* in the subsequent six innings. Not explosive scores, perhaps, but his efforts have given India a left-handed presence in the middle-order that they require against spinners.
Axar’s 42 against New Zealand at the DICS was very useful, enabling India to total 249, and in establishing a vital 98-run partnership with Shreyas Iyer.
Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma Support Axar’s Role in the Middle Order
Head coach Gautam Gambhir continues to believe in Axar’s capability at No. 5.
“We know the quality and ability Axar has, and we’re going to keep giving him that opportunity at number five so that he can keep performing, and more importantly, keep expressing and showing his talent to the world,” Gambhir said.
Skipper Rohit Sharma also emphasized that Axar had been given a clear role.
“A clear message was sent to him when we began the ODI series against England, that irrespective of what happens, you will bat at 5,” Rohit said.
A Telling Last One Awaits
With India heading for the final of the Champions Trophy against New Zealand on Sunday, Axar will get a chance to establish himself as a consistent all-rounder once again.
Though comparisons with Ravindra Jadeja might go on, Axar is emerging as a reliable back-up as India focuses on the future.