Axar Patel Credits Recent ICC Events for Overcoming Self-Doubt
Indian cricket all-rounder Axar Patel has opened up about his remarkable journey from battling self-doubt to becoming a reliable performer in high-pressure situations. In an exclusive interview with ESPNcricinfo's The Cricket Monthly, Patel revealed how the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy played pivotal roles in shaping his confidence ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Overcoming Past Demons in 2024 T20 World Cup
Patel admitted that he entered the 2024 T20 World Cup with considerable nerves, largely influenced by painful memories of India's semi-final defeat to England in the 2022 edition. "Those past experiences definitely weighed on my mind before the tournament," he confessed. The anxiety resurfaced dramatically when India once again faced England in the semi-final of the 2024 tournament, this time on a challenging slow pitch in Providence, Guyana.
Displaying remarkable adaptability, Patel quickly assessed the surface conditions after spending time in the middle. "I understood batting on that wicket was not going to be easy," he recalled. His strategic awareness paid immediate dividends when he bowled in the powerplay and dismissed England captain Jos Buttler with his very first delivery. "Getting Buttler on that first ball was crucial," Patel noted, referring to the dismissal that came from a top-edged reverse sweep.
Rising to the Occasion in Critical Matches
Patel emphasized that focusing on his core strengths helped him manage the immense pressure of knockout cricket. His role became particularly vital during the final against South Africa when he was unexpectedly promoted to bat at number five with India struggling at 34 for 3. "I didn't know I was going to bat at five. It all happened suddenly," he revealed, explaining that the decision came from captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid.
Partnering with Virat Kohli proved transformative for Patel. "With Virat bhai at the other end calmly managing the situation, I didn't need to worry excessively," he said. This partnership allowed Patel to score 47 crucial runs off just 31 balls, significantly shifting momentum in India's favor. "When match-ups favored me, I went for my strokes and then rotated strike. Maintaining about ten runs per over worked perfectly for our calculated approach," he explained.
Champions Trophy 2025: Cementing the Transformation
The confidence gained from the T20 World Cup carried forward into the 2025 Champions Trophy final against New Zealand. Chasing 252, Patel contributed 29 valuable runs off 40 balls, including a critical assault on left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner at a decisive stage. "The equation was very tight when Santner was bowling his eighth over," Patel recalled. "Shreyas had just been dismissed, and I knew as a bowler Santner would take a chance to go for another wicket." His calculated aggression, including a crucial six off Santner, helped India secure victory without losing a single match throughout the tournament, ending a twelve-year wait for the Champions Trophy title.
Looking Ahead to T20 World Cup 2026 Defense
With India now preparing to defend their T20 World Cup title in 2026, Patel is expected to remain an integral component of the squad with both bat and ball. India finds itself placed in Group A alongside Namibia, the Netherlands, the USA, and traditional rivals Pakistan. The team will commence their campaign against the USA on February 7, followed by a highly anticipated clash with Pakistan on February 15, with additional matches against Namibia and the Netherlands completing their group stage commitments.
Patel's journey from self-doubt to dependable match-winner underscores the psychological evolution many athletes undergo in international cricket. His experiences in recent ICC tournaments demonstrate how strategic awareness, partnership building, and mental resilience can transform performance under the brightest lights of global competition.
