'Acceptance, that you will have to wait it out, is key'

Allrounder talks about playing in Jadeja’s shadow and looking past the match-ups trend in T20s

- Rasesh Mandani

India's Axar Patel during a training session ahead of the first Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday.

(PTI)

For far too long, Axar Patel had to play the waiting game. That can be frustrating and demotivating in equal measure.

But the cheerful all-rounder has been able to turn the corner over the past two years. He played a key role in India’s ICC trophy wins — 2024 T20 WC, and 2025 Champions Trophy, became captain of his IPL franchise Delhi Capitals and added massive batting chops to his allround package.

He could achieve this because the idea of competing with Ravindra Jadeja, one of the world’s best all-rounders, did not puncture his spirit. During his time on the bench, he sought out ways to upgrade his game.

"You have to be patient, basically. The more calm you can keep yourself, the better for you. There will always be competition when you are playing for India. Acceptance, that you will have to wait it out, is important," Axar, who is managed by JSW sports, said in an interview.