Axar, common man’s superstar

All-rounder set to play his first World Cup match at his home ground

- GOMESH S @ Ahmedabad

He is a common man, the same as when we were as kids. There are a few responsible changes since becoming a dad, but he is still a down-to-earth person who has his share of fun with his friends - Keval Patel, Axar's friend

SOME TIME in January 2024, Axar Patel was sitting in the press conference room of IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali, taking questions after India’s win against Afghanistan in the first T20I.

After a 2/23 spell, Axar, who had missed the 2023 ODI World Cup at home due toa last-minute injury, was asked about the road to the T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the United States. The left-arm spin-bowl-ing all-rounder explained how he wanted to get through the series and focus on the IPL season rather than thinking about the T20 WC. As he went on, Axar, in his inimitable style, chuckled before saying, “Mera aap ne record dekha he hoga ki... Kuch bhi kar sakta hoon mein toh (You all know my record anyways, I can do anything),” and laughed.