Axar Patel: The spinner who can make his bat talk
What's the story
Spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel will be a key player in Team India's upcoming ICC Champions Trophy campaign.
Despite the presence of several spinners in the squad, Patel's batting ability puts him a different league.
The southpaw is particularly brilliant against spin bowling and the same was witnessed in the recent ODI series against England.
In the last few years, he has drastically improved his batting performance across all formats.
Batting prowess
Patel's impressive all-round record since 2022
Since the start of 2022, Patel has featured in 70 international innings, amassing 1,417 runs at an average of 26.24, as per ESPNcricinfo.
He has scored seven half-centuries in this period and a top score of 84 to his name.
Moreover, Patel has also taken as many as 90 wickets in this duration at a fine average of 26.46.
Match-saving performances
Patel's ability to handle pressure situations
Patel has shown he can handle pressure situations, often saving India from defeat with his well-timed drives.
His ability to tackle world-class spin bowling was on display during the T20 World Cup final against South Africa at Barbados, where he scored 47 runs in 31 balls.
Patel batted at number five in first two games of the recent ODI series against England. He recorded match-winning scores worth 52 and 41*.
Versatile talent
Patel's versatility and performance against spin
It must be noted that Patel is one of the best players against spin in the current Indian team.
The fact that he was the third-highest run-getter of 2023 Test series between India and Australia is the testimony of the same.
The southpaw scored 264 runs at 88 as hosts India won the four-match affair 2-1.
His capability to bat at different positions from number four to nine in all formats highlights his versatility on the field.
ODI record
Here are his ODI numbersÂ
Axar scored 106 runs besides scalping three wickets in the recent ODI series against the Brits.
The 52 in the series opener was his 3rd half-century in ODIs and a maiden one at home.
Across 42 innings, he has smashed 674 runs at 21.74.
The left-arm spinner has also scalped 67 wickets in the format at a sensational economy rate of 4.5.