Axar Patel Sheds Light on Indian Cricket Team's Unique Temple Tradition
Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel has provided fascinating insights into a distinctive practice followed by the Indian cricket team during major international assignments. Speaking at a Delhi Capitals event, Patel revealed how players frequently visit temples during bilateral tours and ICC tournaments, driven largely by convenience and security arrangements.
The Temple Connection During Major Tournaments
Patel explained that these temple visits offer players opportunities they might not otherwise have during tightly scheduled tournaments. "Temple visits are not a bad thing. We go to temples where otherwise we wouldn't be able to go. We have security with us during tournaments," the all-rounder stated, highlighting how tournament logistics facilitate these spiritual excursions.
The tradition gained particular attention during the 2026 T20 World Cup, where Indian players were observed visiting several temples before crucial matches. Following their championship victory, captain Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah visited the Hanuman Temple with the trophy to seek blessings, cementing this practice as part of India's cricketing culture.
Axar Patel Joins Growing Criticism of IPL's Impact Player Rule
Alongside discussing team traditions, Patel became the latest prominent Indian cricketer to voice strong opposition to the IPL's controversial Impact Player rule. The regulation, introduced in 2023 and set to remain until at least 2027, allows teams to substitute a player from a list of five at any match stage.
How the Rule Affects All-Rounders and Team Strategy
During a pre-season press conference, Patel expressed his personal dissatisfaction with the rule, explaining how it fundamentally changes team selection and strategy. "I don't like this rule, honestly, because I am an all-rounder. Earlier, you would pick an all-rounder for batting and bowling. But because of this rule, the team management goes for a particular batsman or bowler, thinking 'Why do we need an all-rounder?'" he elaborated.
The Delhi Capitals captain's concerns align with those raised by other senior players including Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya. Rohit had previously noted in 2024 that the rule hampers all-rounder development, while Hardik added that it complicates team selection unless a player excels equally with both bat and ball.
Patel emphasized that while he personally dislikes the rule, he acknowledges that "rules are rules and we need to follow them." He had earlier flagged the issue in 2024, noting how the regulation affected his batting position when serving as Delhi Capitals vice-captain.
Looking Ahead to IPL 2026
Delhi Capitals will commence their IPL 2026 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1. As captain, Patel's views on the Impact Player rule will likely influence his team's strategic approach throughout the tournament.
The dual revelations from Patel - about India's spiritual traditions during tournaments and his critique of modern cricket regulations - provide unique perspectives on both the cultural and tactical dimensions of contemporary cricket. His comments highlight how traditional practices coexist with evolving game formats in today's cricketing landscape.
