Patel’s Epic Run-Through: From Bat to Big Score in Lightning-Speed Thunder!
Axar Patel starred with exceptional fielding in India’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final win over England, taking three brilliant catches, including a relay catch with Shivam Dube. Coaches praised his intensity and work ethic, highlighting his transformation through improved fitness and training since 2018. Once criticized for poor fitness habits, Axar has evolved into one of India’s safest fielders.
NEW DELHI: Axar Patel was caught off-guard as Virat Kohli suddenly interrupted his post-match interaction with Hardik Pandya after a 2021 pink-ball Test. "Baapu tari bowling kamal che (Your bowling is great)," said Kohli, leaving Hardik and Axar in splits. The Gujarat all-rounder's bowling has dismanted the opposition on many instances.
However, the attribute that especially stood out in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against England is Axar's fielding, as the 32-year-old cricketer pulled off one stunner after the other. The Gujarat all-rounder accounted for three catches, especially grabbing the limelight for his excellent relay catch with Shivam Dube at the deep point boundary to send Will Jacks back to the pavilion. Axar ran to his left, retaining composure despite being close to the rope, throwing the ball towards Shivam Dube astutely.
The 32-year-old cricketer had earlier pulled off an excellent running catch with a full-length dive to dismiss Harry Brook, drawing comparisons to Kapil Dev's similar catch in the 1983 World Cup final. England bore the full brunt of Axar's anger after being dropped for the match against South Africa, with many experts terming the all-rounder's catches as a bigger determinant than Jasprit Bumrah's spell in India's seven-run win. "Axar's fielding sessions are always intense and he pushes others to maintain the same level.
He is a natural fielder and very self-motivated, taking the initiative to practice from different positions on his own," said the Gujarat Ranji team's former head coach Hitesh Majumdar, during an exclusive interaction with TimesofIndia. com . Former India fielding coach R Sridhar has hailed Axar as someone who constantly pushes past his limits, maintaining curiosity and a learner's mentality.
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