In the high-octane world of cricket, mastery often shines through in high-pressure situations, and for Axar Patel, the concluding T20 Internationals (T20Is) against Australia have been a showcase of his all-around talent. Emerging as the star of the climactic moments in the series, the skilled left-arm spinner has not only claimed vital wickets but also contributed significantly with the bat, leaving an indelible mark and earning the Player of the Match accolades for the fourth and fifth matches.
Axar’s exceptional performances have risen to a level where he now holds the fifth-highest number of Player of the Match awards for India in the shortest format of the game. With big names on the list, such as Virat Kohli at the helm with 15 awards, followed by the charisma of Suryakumar Yadav with 13, and the unwavering Rohit Sharma with 12, Axar’s prowess cannot be underestimated. Yuvraj Singh also remains in the memories of fans with seven accolades to his name, standing forth in this distinguished group.
It’s in the bowling department, however, that Axar’s recent achievements stand particularly luminous. His consistent and game-changing bowling spells have propelled him to the zenith among Indian bowlers in T20Is, with the most Player of the Match awards. Prior to the series against Australia, Axar was on par with celebrated bowlers like Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar – each with four Player of the Match awards. But today, by virtue of his sterling showcase, Axar has edged past these contemporaries.
For those who followed the series, the fourth T20I featured a laudable spell from Axar, who secured 3/16, assisting India in the successful defense of 174 runs. Yet, it was in the thrilling finale that his all-round capabilities came to the fore. He displayed poise and brute force with a crucial 31 runs off 21 balls, and then returned to deliver a miserly spell of 1/14 in his quota of four overs. Such was his impact that over the entire series, he claimed a haul of six wickets, with four coming in just the last two matches — a testament to his nerve and skill in crucial moments.
While cricket is a fluid and ever-evolving landscape with many players leaving their mark in various formats and series, consistent excellence is a rarity that deserves recognition. As cricket fans dissect the series and draw insights, the performances by various athletes come to light, such as Deepak Hooda helping Rajasthan and Haryana advance to the quarters in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Sam Curran surpassing Steve Harmison’s record signifying a distinct footprint in cricket history, and young talents like Rinku vying for a spot in the T20 World Cup squad, all creating vibrant narratives of their own in the rich tapestry of cricket. But for now, the spotlight deservedly shines on Axar Patel, whose soaring triumphs over the Australian team herald a new zenith for Indian cricket and establish him as the dauntless champion among Indian T20I bowlers in the hunt for Player of the Match honors.