Axar Patel is one of India’s most dependable all-rounders in modern cricket. Known for his accurate left-arm spin and useful batting performances, he has become a key player across all formats for Team India. He represents Gujarat in domestic cricket and captains the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. He also serves as the vice-captain of India’s T20I team.
Born on January 20, 1994, in Nadiad, Gujarat, Axar made his ODI debut against Bangladesh in June 2014. His Test debut came against England in February 2021, where he impressed everyone by taking seven wickets in the match. He became only the ninth Indian bowler to claim a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
Over the years, Axar has played an important role in several major ICC tournaments for India, including the T20 World Cup-winning campaigns and the Champions Trophy triumph. Apart from cricket, his personal life has also gained attention after his marriage to Meha Patel in 2023 and the birth of their son, Haksh, in 2024.
Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Axar Patel
1. A Hospital Spelling Error Changed His Name
Interestingly, his original name was “Akshar.” However, a nurse at a hospital in Anand accidentally wrote “Axar” on his birth certificate. Later, the same spelling appeared on his school documents as well. Eventually, the incorrect spelling became official, and the Indian cricketer became famous worldwide as Axar Patel.
2. Mumbai Indians Signed Him Before He Became Famous
Before making his mark in the IPL, he was part of the Mumbai Indians squad during the 2013 season. However, he did not get an opportunity to play a match. His breakthrough came later when Punjab Kings signed him after an excellent domestic season. He eventually won the IPL Emerging Player award and established himself as a rising star.
3. He Started as a Fast Bowler
Many fans know Axar as a left-arm spinner, but he initially bowled pace during his junior cricket days. A serious childhood injury to his left shin changed everything. The injury affected his run-up, making fast bowling difficult. As a result, he shifted to spin bowling, a decision that completely transformed his cricket career.
4. His Grandmother Inspired His Cricket Journey
Axar Patel’s grandmother played a huge role in motivating him. She always dreamed of seeing him represent India. Sadly, she passed away while he was playing a district-level match. The emotional loss became one of the biggest driving forces behind his determination to succeed in international cricket.
5. MS Dhoni Gave Him the Nickname ‘Bapu’
One of the most popular facts about Axar Patel is his nickname, “Bapu.” The nickname was given by MS Dhoni during an Indian team camp. Dhoni reportedly wanted a shorter and more comfortable name to use while fielding. Since both Axar and Ravindra Jadeja are Gujaratis, Dhoni jokingly called him “Bapu,” and the nickname quickly became popular among fans and teammates.
6. He Once Hated Black Coffee
He once admitted that he disliked black coffee because he found it too bitter. However, after learning how to prepare it properly from teammate Harshal Patel, his opinion changed completely. He now jokes about opening a café named “Bapu’s Cafe” someday, showing his fun and light-hearted personality off the field.
7. He Was an Excellent Student
Before becoming a professional cricketer, he was academically brilliant. He reportedly ranked first in school until Class 10 and wanted to become a mechanical engineer. His father was initially more focused on education, but local cricket coaches convinced the family to allow Axar to pursue cricket seriously.
8. Axar Patel and Meha Patel Share a Childhood Love Story
Axar Patel married Meha Patel on January 26, 2023, in Vadodara. Their relationship dates back to childhood, making their love story even more special. Meha is a professional nutritionist and is known for maintaining a low public profile while supporting Axar throughout his cricket journey.
9. He Created History in Test Cricket
During India’s 2021 Test series, he achieved a remarkable milestone by taking five five-wicket hauls in only seven innings. The achievement placed him among elite bowlers in cricket history and highlighted his incredible impact in red-ball cricket within a short span of time.
10. He Named His Son ‘Haksh’
In December 2024, Axar Patel and Meha Patel welcomed their first child, a baby boy named Haksh. The name means “gift.” While announcing the news on social media, Axar shared a touching photo of his son wearing an India jersey and called him “India’s smallest yet biggest fan.”
Axar Patel Career Highlights
International Debut and Rise in Indian Cricket
He made his ODI debut for India against Bangladesh in 2014. Since then, he has become a crucial member of India’s white-ball and Test squads due to his consistency with both bat and ball.
His IPL Journey
From being benched at Mumbai Indians to becoming captain of the Delhi Capitals, his IPL journey has been inspiring. His all-round performances have made him one of the most valuable players in the tournament.
FAQs
Q. What type of cricketer is Axar Patel?
A. Axar Patel is a left-handed batting all-rounder who bowls slow left-arm orthodox spin.
Q. Which IPL team does Axar Patel captain?
A. Axar Patel captains the Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League.
Q. When did Axar Patel make his international debut?
He made his ODI debut for India against Bangladesh on June 15, 2014.
Q. What made Axar Patel’s Test debut special?
A. Axar Patel took seven wickets against England in his debut Test match in 2021, including a five-wicket haul.
Q. Who is Axar Patel’s wife?
A. Axar Patel is married to Meha Patel, a nutritionist from Gujarat.
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