Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has opened up about the pivotal role played by legendary former captain MS Dhoni in his remarkable evolution as a batter. Patel, whose stock as a reliable hitter has skyrocketed since the 2024 T20 World Cup, credits Dhoni for a crucial mindset shift that helped him regain his confidence at the highest level.
The Dhoni Mentorship: A Turning Point
Axar Patel began his international career under the leadership of MS Dhoni. However, he revealed that early struggles with the bat led to self-doubt. The turning point came during the 2021 T20 World Cup, where Dhoni served as the team mentor. According to Axar, Dhoni pointed out that during his initial days, he put undue pressure on himself to perform every time, instead of trusting his inherent ability.
"When MS Dhoni was mentor of the 2021 T20 World Cup team, he told me that in my earlier days, under his captaincy, I put pressure on myself by thinking I had to perform all the time, rather than simply believing that I was a capable batter," Axar told the Times of India. "Slowly I started implementing what Mahi bhai had told me and I regained my confidence," he added, highlighting the profound impact of this advice.
From Backup to Key Performer: The 2024 World Cup Final
The results of this transformed mindset were spectacularly displayed on the world's biggest stage. In the high-pressure final of the 2024 T20 World Cup, India found themselves in deep trouble at 34/3 within the first five overs. Stepping up in a crisis, Axar Patel forged a match-stabilizing partnership of 72 runs off just 54 balls with the experienced Virat Kohli.
This knock was instrumental in setting a competitive total and paving the way for India's historic victory. While he was expensive with the ball, he also chipped in with a crucial wicket. Reflecting on that career-defining moment, Axar stated, "After the T20 WC final, I never thought I would be dropped again," underscoring the newfound security in his role.
Embracing the Flexible Role in Modern T20 Cricket
Today, Axar Patel has transitioned from being viewed primarily as a spinner and a backup to Ravindra Jadeja to a senior all-rounder in his own right. India's current strategy of employing a flexible batting order has seen him promoted as high as No. 3 in recent T20I games.
He clarified that when sent up the order, the team management entrusts him with a specific, stable role rather than labeling him a mere 'floater'. "The team management tells me that I’m not sent to blindly accelerate the scoring or play out a difficult spell or target a particular spinner. I am given a role like any other specialist batter," Axar explained. This clarity and trust from the leadership have been central to his consistent performances.
The journey of the 31-year-old from a self-doubting player to a World Cup hero trusted in the top order is a testament to the power of mentorship and mental resilience in professional sport.
