Axar Patel

Axar Patel, a left-arm spinner and emerging all-rounder, has showcased his value with both bat and ball across formats. Initially known for his bowling, Patel has developed into a handy lower-order batsman. Patel made his mark in the 2013 ACC Emerging Teams Cup, playing a crucial role in India Under-23s' title victory. His consistent performances for Gujarat in the Ranji Trophy that season further highlighted his potential as a skilled all-rounder. After joining Kings XI Punjab in the IPL, Patel's impressive performances earned him a spot in the Indian ODI squad for the tour of Bangladesh in 2014. Though he played only one match, it was a stepping stone in his international career. Patel's journey saw him in and out of the limited-overs squads over the next few years, often filling in for the absence of Ravindra Jadeja. His Test debut came in the absence of Jadeja during the 2021 England series. Patel made an immediate impact, taking five wickets on debut and following it up with an impressive 11-wicket haul in the third Test, finishing the series with a remarkable 27 wickets. In 2022, Patel displayed his batting prowess by scoring a quick-fire 27-ball fifty, his first in ODIs, which played a crucial role in India's series win against West Indies. Axar Patel's versatility as a spinner and his improved batting skills make him a valuable asset for the Indian cricket team. With consistent performances across formats, Patel continues to contribute to India's success and establish himself as an integral part of the squad.