India’s spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel’s close confidante Vijay Patel, who was Gujarat’s coach when Axar made his first-class debut for Gujarat, has shared the cricketer’s humble personality. Vijay has also revealed that despite being an Indian cricketer, Axar Patel still sits on the floor when he comes to meet him also.
Axar Patel made his India debut way back in 2014. However, he was not a regular face of the international career during which he has played 40 ODIs, 23 T20Is, and six Tests as well. The cricketer is in the limelight after his heroics in the second ODI against West Indies in Trinidad on Sunday, July 24. However, he also smashed an unbeaten 64 off 35 to lift India to victory in a tense game as well.
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Speaking to TOI, Patel, who has known Axar Patel since his Under-16 days, said about the cricketer’s personality: “He’s very focused and mentally relaxed. Success or the India cap hasn’t changed him. He’s still very humble. We spoke today. He was really happy. Sometimes when he comes to meet me, he’ll sit on the floor with me. ‘Arey tu India player hai (you’re an India player),’ I tell him. He’s enjoying his life and cricket. He’s such a jovial character that the dressing room atmosphere is different when he’s around. He makes other players enjoy with him.”
While chasing 312 runs for victory in the second ODI against West Indies, India were on the backfoot, requiring 100 off the last 10 overs. However, Axar Patel played a stunning knock, hitting three fours and five sixes to take India home as well.
While admitting that being unsure of your place in the team is not easy, Vijay also praised Axar Patel for his ability to stay positive and determined in all situations as well.
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“Sometime back, there was a phase when Jadeja was doing so well that Axar almost seemed forgotten. However, he seemed completely relaxed about it. ‘Don’t worry sir. Aage dekh lenge (we’ll see in the future)’ he told me. He wasn’t feeling any pressure. It doesn’t make a difference to him if Jadeja is around or not. He’s only focused on his own performance. As I said earlier, he’s just relaxed and enjoying his game. It’s this attitude which helps him keep performing well,” Vijay Patel concluded.
