Axar Patel: A Star Reborn
Cricket has a way of scripting fairytales, and Axar Patel’s rise from an all-purpose utility player to the captain of Delhi Capitals is nothing short of remarkable. The man who once played the role of ‘Man Friday’ for his captains will now be calling the shots himself. It’s a vote of confidence from Delhi Capitals, a franchise that sees the leadership qualities in a player who has long been an unsung hero. But make no mistake, Axar Patel’s journey to this point has been anything but ordinary.
Hailing from Nadiad, a temple town and an educational hub in Gujarat, Axar’s cricketing story is one of perseverance, dedication, and sheer passion. From being a backroom boy to becoming a leader, the journey of this left-arm spinner and all-rounder is proof of how Indian cricket keeps churning out inspiring stories. You can bet on cricket matches here
Nadiad: The Land That Raised Him
A visit to Axar’s hometown of Nadiad paints a picture of simplicity, much like the man himself. Every conversation in the city about him starts with one question: “Have you seen the canal?”
The winding channel cutting through the town is an integral part of Axar’s childhood, much like the cricket ground located inside his college campus, where he honed his craft. His mornings were fueled by kadak chai and lasaniya daabla—a deep-fried potato snack with a garlic-based stuffing—a staple in this part of Gujarat. Evenings, on the other hand, were spent by the canal, where he would sip on Thums Up, empty a packet of sing bhujia into it, and chat with friends.
“Axar aaj bhi waisa hi hai,” says Keval Patel, his childhood friend. “Woh bada cricketer toh ban gaya, par uski simplicity nahi gayi. Jab bhi ghar aata hai, ussi canal pe doston ke saath chai peete mil jaayega.”
For Nadiad, Axar Patel is not just a cricketing icon but a symbol of how dreams take flight even in the most unassuming places.
Akshar to Axar: A Name That Stuck
What’s in a name? In Axar Patel’s case, quite a lot. Originally named ‘Akshar,’ a clerical error in school changed it to ‘Axar,’ and the new spelling stuck.
At home, he remains ‘Akshar,’ the large-hearted prankster who binges on padikas (tiny snack packets) and loves homemade bhaakri dipped in ginger tea. But on the cricket field, ‘Axar’ is a different beast altogether—ruthless with the ball, fearless with the bat, and an indispensable asset in any format of the game.
His father, Rajeshbhai Patel, initially sent him to the city’s only cricket ground to build muscle. “Uska physique bahut patla tha,” recalls Keval. “Ek din practice bunk karke tennis-ball cricket khelne chala gaya. Phir papa ne jo daanta, uske baad kabhi practice miss nahi ki.”
From bunking training to becoming one of India’s most reliable all-rounders, Axar Patel’s journey is a testament to the power of persistence.
The Batting Revolution: Axar 2.0
While the cricketing world has long seen Axar Patel as a spin-bowling all-rounder, those who watched him since childhood knew his batting prowess was always there. He started as a fast bowler, but due to his lanky frame, he would often lose balance. That’s when his coach suggested he try spin, and the rest, as they say, is history.
But batting has always been a passion.
“Bachpan se hi usko lofted shots maarna pasand tha,” says former Gujarat Ranji Trophy player Bharat Mistry. “Under-16 West Zone tournament mein jab do baar reckless shot khel ke out hua, kuch selectors ne usko drop karne ki baat ki. But a few of us backed him and advised him to be smarter with his shot selection.”
The world got a taste of his batting prowess in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa and later in the Champions Trophy against New Zealand. A slog-sweep off Mitchell Santner in a crunch situation reminded everyone that Axar was more than just a handy lower-order batter.
Axar’s Impact: Beyond Trophies
Axar Patel’s impact on cricket goes beyond personal milestones. His rise has inspired an entire generation of cricketers from Nadiad.
Manish Desai, president of the Kheda District Cricket Association, has seen a seismic shift in cricketing aspirations since Axar’s success.
“Jab usne IPL khela, pura Nadiad uske swagat ke liye aaya,” he recalls. “T20 World Cup jeetne ke baad bhi ek grand function plan tha, lekin Axar ne mana kar diya. Usko bas academy ke bacchon se milna tha, unko motivate karna tha.”
From 70-80 trainees a decade ago, the number has now surged to nearly 300 at the local academy, including a significant rise in female players. Ami Patel, a 25-year-old cricketer, credits Axar for inspiring more girls to take up the sport. “Pehle ek-do ladkiyan khelti thi. Last year summer camp mein 40 ladkiyan aayi! Sabko laga ki agar Axar yahan se khel sakta hai, toh hum bhi try kar sakte hain.”
Axar Patel’s simplicity is what endears him to his people. Even after achieving so much, he remains rooted. “Woh ab bhi wahi aadmi hai,” says Keval. “Jab Nadiad aata hai, bas ek local cricketer jaisa rehta hai. Jaise keh raha ho—yeh mera sheher hai, yeh mera maidan hai, yeh mere log hain.”
Delhi Capitals and the Road Ahead
With Delhi Capitals entrusting him with leadership for the 2025 season, Axar Patel is stepping into a new role. The man who has been a quiet contributor for years is now at the helm, making the big decisions.
Under the guidance of Gautam Gambhir, who has backed him wholeheartedly, Axar’s leadership qualities will be put to the test. Can he lead Delhi to their maiden IPL title? Will he redefine himself yet again, this time as a captain?
One thing is for sure—whether it’s in the IPL, for Team India, or in the hearts of Nadiad’s people, Axar Patel’s star is only rising.
This isn’t just a success story.
This is a rebirth.
This is Axar Patel: A Star Reborn.
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