Birthday special: Axar Patel – T20 all-rounder who made a dream Test debut

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel turns 28 on Thursday (January 20) and birthday wishes are pouring in for him from different corners. Making his international debut in 2014, Axar’s cricketing journey has been full of ups and downs. However, he now seems to have emerged as an integral part of the national team across formats. Many fans and experts even back him to go a long way.

A deceptive left-arm spinner, a handy batter lower down the order and a brilliant fielder – Axar is truly a three-dimensional player which every captain desires for. However, his career has been far from smooth. The all-rounder burst onto the scenes in the 2014 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) where he served Kings XI Punjab (Punjab Kings).

Here’s wishing #TeamIndia all-rounder @akshar2026 a very happy birthday. 🎂 👏

Let’s relive his sensational 6⃣-wicket haul in the pink-ball Test against England in Ahmedabad 🎥 🔽

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 20, 2022

The spinner delivered some sensational spells as the side advanced to the finals. Months later, he was handed his maiden international cap. He put up some impressive performances in the lead up to the 2015 World Cup, earning a spot in the squad for the mega event. He didn’t get any game in the tournament and what followed was a downfall.

IPL 2020: Axar Patel’s breakthrough season

Though he remained around the national team, Axar couldn’t really earn a permanent place in the playing XI. His performances in IPL also dipped as he even got dropped from the playing XI at times. This rough patch ended in the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League, when he served Delhi Capitals.

The spinner was at his best in the tournament as the Delhi-based franchise advanced to their maiden final. Interestingly, his heroics in the T20 competition earned him a place in the Test team. While not many backed the ‘one-dimensional’ bowler to thrive in the longest format, he defied the claims with a dream debut series against England.

Dream Test debut

Axar took 27 wickets in three games against England as India recorded a 3-1 triumph and didn’t look back since then as he returned to the white-ball team as well. As of now, the all-rounder is out of action due to a stress fracture. Nevertheless, he would be raring to get back on the field soon.