Axar Patel Biography | Career Stats, IPL Captaincy & T20 World Cup 2026 Role
In a land obsessed with wrist-spin wizardry and flamboyant stroke-play, Axar Rajeshbhai Patel has carved out a legacy built on something far rarer: relentless precision. Known affectionately as “Bapu,” the tall left-arm spinner from Gujarat has evolved from a defensive bowler into one of the world’s most valuable three-dimensional cricketers.
As we approach the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, Axar stands at the pinnacle of his career. No longer just a supporting act to Ravindra Jadeja, he is now the Vice-Captain of the Indian T20I team and the appointed leader of the Delhi Capitals.
This is the definitive story of his journey, analyzed through the numbers that prove his worth.
The Early Years | From Anand to the Arena
Born on January 20, 1994, in Anand, Gujarat, Axar was not initially a cricket prodigy. He started serious cricket relatively late but rose through the ranks with frightening speed. His 6-foot frame allowed him to dart the ball in from a high release point—a trait that would later torment international batters.
His breakthrough came in the 2013-14 domestic season, where he was instrumental in India U-23s’ title win in the ACC Emerging Teams Cup. That performance was the catalyst for his IPL selection and eventual national debut.
IPL Career | The Journey to Captaincy
Axar’s IPL story is one of loyalty and evolution. He spent his early years (2014–2018) as a key cog for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings), where he famously took a hat-trick in 2016. However, his true potential was unlocked after moving to the Delhi Capitals (DC) in 2019.
By 2025, his value was undeniable. Ahead of the mega-auction, DC not only made him their top retention at INR 16.50 Crore but also handed him the captain’s armband, replacing Rishabh Pant.
IPL Franchise Timeline
| Year | Team | Role | Key Achievement |
| 2013 | Mumbai Indians | Squad Member | Did not play a game; won the title. |
| 2014-2018 | Kings XI Punjab | All-Rounder | 17 wickets in debut season; 2014 Finalist. |
| 2016 | Kings XI Punjab | Bowler | Hat-trick vs Gujarat Lions (4 wickets in 5 balls). |
| 2019-2024 | Delhi Capitals | Core All-Rounder | Transformed into a batting finisher. |
| 2025 | Delhi Capitals | Captain | Top Retention (INR 16.5 Cr); named Skipper. |
International Career | The “Test” of Character
While he made his limited-overs debut in 2014, Axar’s most explosive entry came in Test cricket. Making his debut against England in Chennai (2021) as a replacement for an injured Jadeja, Axar produced one of the greatest debut series in history.
He tormented the English batters with non-turning deliveries that skidded straight on, finishing the series with 27 wickets in just three matches.
The 2024 T20 World Cup Glory
Axar was the unsung hero of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. His promotion to No. 4 in the final against South Africa stabilized a rocking ship, and his economical bowling throughout the tournament was crucial. That performance cemented his status as a “big match player.”
Comprehensive Career Statistics
Below is the complete statistical breakdown of Axar Patel’s career across all formats as of January 16, 2026.
1. Batting & Fielding Summary
Axar has transitioned from a tailender to a genuine all-rounder, often batting at No. 5 or 6 for his state and franchise.
| Format | Matches | Innings | Not Out | Runs | High Score | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
| Tests | 15 | 24 | 4 | 688 | 84 | 34.40 | 53.04 | 0 | 4 | 73 | 20 |
| ODIs | 71 | 49 | 12 | 858 | 64* | 23.18 | 91.76 | 0 | 3 | 53 | 31 |
| T20Is | 85 | 52 | 18 | 681 | 65 | 20.02 | 135.11 | 0 | 1 | 48 | 28 |
| IPL | 162 | 124 | 37 | 1,916 | 66 | 22.02 | 133.98 | 0 | 3 | 130 | 94 |
| First Class | 57 | 83 | 13 | 2,517 | 110* | 35.95 | 59.91 | 1 | 19 | 297 | 45 |
| List A | 172 | 126 | 31 | 2,954 | 130 | 31.09 | 95.56 | 1 | 13 | 228 | 79 |
2. Bowling Career Summary
His economy rate in T20s is phenomenal, hovering around 7 RPO despite bowling in the Powerplay and death overs.
| Format | Matches | Balls | Runs | Wickets | Best Bowling | Average | Economy | 4w | 5w |
| Tests | 15 | 2,660 | 1,121 | 57 | 6/38 | 19.66 | 2.52 | 6 | 5 |
| ODIs | 71 | 3,287 | 2,461 | 75 | 3/24 | 32.81 | 4.49 | 0 | 0 |
| T20Is | 85 | 1,489 | 1,798 | 82 | 3/9 | 21.92 | 7.24 | 0 | 0 |
| IPL | 162 | 3,303 | 4,046 | 128 | 4/21 | 31.60 | 7.34 | 1 | 0 |
| First Class | 57 | 11,184 | 4,976 | 197 | 7/54 | 25.25 | 2.52 | 11 | 12 |
Recent Form (Dec 2025 – Jan 2026)
The road to the 2026 World Cup has seen Axar stay busy in domestic cricket to sharpen his skills. His recent form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (List A) for Gujarat has been excellent, particularly with the bat.
Last 5 Match Performances
| Date | Match | Format | Performance | Result |
| 06-Jan-2026 | Gujarat vs Odisha | List A | 73 (60 balls) & 0/15 (4 overs) | Won by 233 runs |
| 03-Jan-2026 | Gujarat vs Andhra | List A | 13 (12 balls) & 2/27 | Won by 7 runs |
| 11-Dec-2025 | India vs South Africa | T20I | 1/27 (4 overs) | Lost |
| 09-Dec-2025 | India vs South Africa | T20I | 2/7 (2 overs) | Won |
| 14-Nov-2025 | India vs South Africa | Test | 1/21 & 1/36 | Won |
Note: His knock of 73 against Odisha in January 2026 showcased his readiness for the middle-order role in the upcoming ICC tournament.
Records & Milestones
Axar Patel holds several unique records that highlight his effectiveness as a specialist in Indian conditions.
| Record Rank | Category | Stat Details |
| 6th | Most Consecutive 4-Wicket Hauls | 5 consecutive innings (Tests/ODIs/T20Is combined) |
| 8th | Most Runs in an Innings (Batting at No. 7) | 65 vs Sri Lanka (T20I) |
| Test Debut | Most Wickets in Debut Test Series (India) | 27 Wickets vs England (2021) |
| IPL | Only player with 1,500+ Runs & 100+ Wickets for DC | Franchise Record |
The Road to T20 World Cup 2026
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sent a massive signal of intent in December 2025 by naming Axar Patel as the Vice-Captain of the T20 squad, replacing Shubman Gill.
This decision underscores three factors:
- Tactical Acumen: Axar is viewed as a sharp thinker, often setting fields for other spinners during IPL matches.
- Certainty in XI: Unlike other contenders, Axar’s dual ability makes him one of the first names on the team sheet, especially for a World Cup hosted in Asian conditions.
- Clutch Temperament: His performances in the 2024 World Cup final and the 2023 Test series against Australia proved he doesn’t crack under pressure.
With Suryakumar Yadav leading the side, Axar will be the primary sounding board for tactical decisions. Fans can expect him to bowl the tough overs—in the Powerplay against right-handers and in the middle overs to choke the run flow.
Conclusion
As Axar Patel prepares to blow out the candles for his 32nd birthday on January 20, he finds himself in the form of his life. He has mastered the art of the arm-ball, developed a potent slog-sweep against spin, and earned the leadership badge for both club and country.
For India to lift the 2026 T20 World Cup, the “Bapu” factor will be non-negotiable. He is the glue that holds the aggressive Indian lineup together—economical with the ball, explosive with the bat, and calm in the chaos.
