Axar Patel is an Indian all-rounder who plays for India in all formats. He is a left-handed batter and left-arm orthodox spinner. He plays domestic cricket for Gujarat. He has been an important IPL player for Delhi Capitals, where he also captains the team.
He made his ODI debut in 2014 and was part of India’s 2015 World Cup squad. His Test debut came in 2021 against England where he had a strong start, taking 7 wickets. He is one of the few Indian bowlers to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
In IPL, he started with Kings XI Punjab and later moved to Delhi Capitals. One of his most famous IPL moments was taking 4 wickets in 5 balls in 2016, including a hat-trick.
He has also been part of India’s major tournament wins, including the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups and the 2025 Champions Trophy. He is currently the vice-captain of India in T20Is. And is valued for giving balance with both bat and ball.
5 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Axar Patel
The ‘Typo’ That Changed His Name
Believe it or not, Axar’s real first name is “Akshar”. It all started with a mistake – his principal spelled it as “Axar” on his school leaving certificate. By the time he noticed, the misspelling was already on his passport and official documents. So it stuck. His close friends still affectionately call him “Akshar” to this day.
His Grandmother’s Last Wish Fueled His Career
Axar wasn’t always passionate about cricket. But his grandmother’s dying wish was to see him wear the Indian blue jersey on television. Tragically, she passed away before his debut. After learning of her wish, he dedicated himself to the sport with fierce determination. He made his ODI debut for India in 2014, fulfilling that promise from beyond.
From Aspiring Engineer to Cricketer
Axar was a brilliant student – he stood first in his class until 10th grade and dreamed of becoming a mechanical engineer. His father insisted he take cricket seriously. Young Axar tried to avoid practice, sneaking off to play gully cricket instead. His father caught on by noticing his clean white clothes and started dropping him off personally.
MS Dhoni Gave Him the Nickname ‘Bapu’
Axar is often called “Bapu”, a nickname given by none other than MS Dhoni. Dhoni found it odd to simply say “Well bowled, Axar”. Since Axar and Ravindra Jadeja are both from Gujarat, Dhoni decided “Bapu” fit perfectly. The name became famous after Dhoni used it on the stump mic, and it has stuck with Axar ever since.
Fastest Indian to 50 Test Wickets
One of the most astonishing facts about Axar’s career is how quickly he has risen in Tests. He is the fastest Indian bowler – in terms of balls bowled – to take 50 Test wickets, achieving the feat in just 2,205 deliveries. To put that in perspective, he broke Jasprit Bumrah’s record, who took 2,465 balls. Incredible.
FAQs
Q. What type of player is Axar Patel?
A. Axar Patel is a left-handed batter and left-arm orthodox spinner.
Q. Which IPL team does Axar Patel play for?
A. Axar Patel plays for Delhi Capitals and also captains the side.
Q. What was special about Axar Patel’s Test debut?
A. Axar Patel took 7 wickets against England. He is one of the few Indian bowlers to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
Q. What IPL record moment is Axar Patel known for?
A. Axar Patel took 4 wickets in 5 balls in 2016, including a hat-trick.
Q. What role does Axar Patel have in India’s T20I team?
A. Axar Patel is the vice-captain of India in T20Is.
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