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…
This story is from the October 10, 2021 edition of The Times of India Delhi.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 10, 2021 edition of The Times of India Delhi.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?
From swooning over the twirling foot of Richarlison the other day, to fretting over the ankle of Neymar, it is back to business for Brazil. Gone is the exultation to dance and express themselves.
Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134
American hospitality major Marriott International — the group with the largest number of branded hotel rooms in India at about 26,000 — has drawn up very ambitious growth plans for the country.
India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field
Take 20-year-old Shivam Negi for instance. A member of the national blind football team, Negi along with three other NIEVPD students is ardently following the matches by listening to live commentary.
SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc
‘MF Investments Reducing Disposable Incomes Of Indians’
Fury's Ground Xiro
Xi's zero-Covid policy has angered ordinary Chinese as never before. A dangerous moment for the state
Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye
The sportswear manufacturer has also launched a probe into his conduct.
Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance
Chinese protesters have turned to blank sheets of paper to express their anger over Covid-19 restrictions.
Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told
Dietary Habit Not Patient’s Fault: Consumer Body
Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future
Union sports minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said Gujarat will host a “grand Olympics” sporting event in the future.
Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal
He also urged government employees in the state to back AAP while promising implementation of the old pension scheme for them by January 31, 2022.
