At the outset, there’s nothing fancy about Axar Patel. Yet, there’s something that enables him to be a consistent performer, whether for Delhi Capitals in the IPL or in the limited opportunities he has had to play in the Indian team. Along with Ravindra Jadeja, he has been the face of the ‘flat, round-armed, left-arm spin’ revolution in Indian cricket. His uncanny similarities with Jadeja have also earned him the nickname ‘Bapu’ from MS Dhoni!
“The nickname Bapu is very popular in Saurashtra. When I replaced Jaddu bhai, Mahi bhai said I am also a similar left-arm spinner and a left-handed batter from Gujarat. He said calling ‘Axar’ while cheering from behind the stumps wasn’t much fun. Thus, he started calling me ‘Bapu’ because Jaddu bhai is from Saurashtra. And once Mahi bhai said it on the stump mic, my name had to be Bapu. Rishabh has taken it another level on the stump mic,” Axar said, bursting into a laughter.
Gearing up for the IPL playoffs and the subsequent T20 World Cup in the UAE, the ever-smiling 27-year-old spoke about his journey. Excerpts…
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