In a thrilling World Cup final, Axar Patel, known fondly as the “Jayasuriya of Nadiad,” stepped up to the plate just when India needed him most. With the game swinging dramatically towards South Africa, Axar entered the scene, batting ahead of his usual position, even before Shivam Dube, to help resurrect India’s total.
Chirping Behind the Stumps
Rishabh Pant, ever the lively wicketkeeper, often teased Axar with shouts of “Jayasuriya, left mey ja,” a nod to Axar’s explosive batting style reminiscent of the Sri Lankan legend. Growing up in Nadiad, 60 kilometers from Ahmedabad, Axar earned this nickname in the local tennis-ball circuit, where he smashed balls under the floodlights like a pro.
Interestingly, Axar never wanted to bowl in his early years. Yet, here he was, making a name for himself with his left-arm spin and aggressive batting, proving that selectors were right to pick him over Washington Sundar.
The Moment of Truth
With India’s big guns—Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav—back in the hut, and Virat Kohli playing the anchor role, Axar faced the challenge head-on. Facing the fiery Kagiso Rabada, he launched a length ball straight over the sight screen, striking a pose that screamed confidence. Talk about having nerves of steel!
Fans couldn’t help but reminisce about past World Cup counterattacks against India, like Aravinda de Silva’s 1996 classic. This time, however, it was Axar delivering the counter-punch, giving Indian supporters a reason to cheer.
Kaif’s Confidence
Mohammad Kaif, Axar’s former coach at Delhi Capitals, always backed him. “He’s so chilled out, whether he’s batting or bowling. In a crisis, those who stay calm thrive,” Kaif noted. Axar proved him right by deftly clipping his first delivery from Rabada to the square-leg boundary. Soon, he was sending South African bowlers on a leather hunt, including a massive slog-swept six off Aiden Markram.
Smashing the Spinners
Axar didn’t stop there. Against Keshav Maharaj, he unleashed another six into the stands. When chinaman bowler Tabraiz Shamsi entered the attack, Axar welcomed him with yet another towering six. It was as if he had a personal vendetta against South Africa’s spinners!
Training with the Best
Axar’s journey wasn’t all smooth sailing. He had a known weakness against leg-side deliveries. During the 2021 IPL in Dubai, he worked hard with coach Ricky Ponting to improve this aspect. “His front shoulder was too closed,” Kaif explained. After hours of practice, Axar could now hit sixes on the leg side, even against bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah.
Though Heinrich Klassen later hammered him for 24 runs in an over, Axar’s earlier batting ensured his efforts weren’t wasted, and his teammates finished the job.
Axar Patel From Nadiad to the World Stage
As a child, Axar’s family thought he was too small for cricket, but his determination proved them wrong. Now, with his brilliant World Cup final cameo, Axar Patel has truly lived up to his nickname: “Nadiad ka Jayasuriya.”
So, while Axar may not have started off wanting to be a bowler, his all-round performance in the World Cup has cemented his place as a key player for India. Who knows? Maybe Rishabh Pant will come up with another nickname for him soon!
Axar Patel: The Jayasuriya of Nadiad Shines in World Cup Final https://t.co/f9I8psOv0v via @snapnews_24 #AxarPatel #Cricket #WorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/IkBciXo5OW
— Snap News (@snapnews_24) June 30, 2024
