'Temple visits not a bad thing': Axar Patel shares insight into team India culture
Indian cricketer Axar Patel revealed the team's temple visits during major tournaments are often for convenience and security. He also reiterated his strong disapproval of the Impact Player rule, stating it negatively affects all-rounders like himself by reducing the need for multi-skilled players. Patel's views echo those of other senior players.
Axar Patel has shed light on a unique ‘tradition’ followed by the Indian cricket team during major assignments, while also reiterating his stance against the Impact Player rule ahead of IPL 2026. The Delhi Capitals skipper spoke about how players often visit temples during bilateral tours and ICC events. During the 2026 T20 World Cup, Indian players were seen visiting several temples before matches, and even after lifting the title, captain Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Gautam Gambhir and International Cricket Council chairman Jay Shah visited the Hanuman Temple to seek blessings with the trophy.
Speaking at a Delhi Capitals event on Monday, Axar explained that such visits are largely driven by convenience and security arrangements during 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,” he said. Alongside this, Axar once again voiced his displeasure with the Impact Player rule, becoming the latest Indian cricketer to question its impact on the game. The rule, introduced in 2023, allows teams to substitute a player from a list of five at any stage of the match and is set to remain in place until at least 2027.
Axar’s view aligns with other senior players such as Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya, both of whom have previously raised concerns. Rohit had pointed out in 2024 that the rule hampers the development of all-rounders, while Hardik later added that it makes team selection difficult unless a player excels equally with both bat and ball. Explaining his perspective, Axar highlighted how the rule changes team strategies and reduces the need for multi-skilled players.