Axar Patel: How the Nadiad boy who loved potato daablas by the canal became India’s Champions Trophy hero
Axar Patel: The Champions Trophy Hero Who Stays True to His Roots
A Childhood by the Canal
In Nadiad, the small town where Axar Patel grew up, every story about him starts the same way: “Have you seen the canal?”
This winding waterway cuts through the town, offering a touch of serenity in an otherwise dry landscape. Just beside it, at a modest tea stall, Bharatbhai serves steaming cups of kadak chai and crispy lasaniya daabla—a local favorite of deep-fried potatoes stuffed with garlic. It was here that a young Axar, like many others, spent his mornings.
“He always had his tea the same way—less water, with ginger, sugar, and a pinch of cardamom,” recalls Bharatbhai, pointing at a worn-out concrete ledge by the canal. “For 15-20 years, that hasn’t changed.”
From College Grounds to Cricketing Glory
Cricket was an everyday affair for Axar. He trained at the ground inside his college campus, just a short walk from the tea stall. By evening, he would return to the canal, sipping Thums Up mixed with sing bhujia—his go-to snack.
His childhood friend, Keval Patel, laughs at the memory. “That’s what he lived on back then. Even now, when he’s home, he sits by the canal with us, sipping chai. To the world, he’s ‘Axar,’ but for us, he’ll always be ‘Akshar.’”
The Name Changed, But Not the Man
At home, he remains a laid-back, grounded person. He loves bhaakri dipped in ginger tea and never misses a chance to play pranks on friends. On the field, however, he transforms into a fierce competitor, taking crucial wickets and smashing big shots when the team needs him the most.
His contribution to India’s Champions Trophy victory was no surprise to those who’ve seen him grow. Like his hometown, Axar represents quiet resilience—always proving his worth without making a fuss.
Nadiad: A Town That Now Stands for Axar
Nadiad was once just a small stop between Anand and Ahmedabad. Now, it’s known as the town that shaped Axar Patel.
Cricket wasn’t his first passion. His father, Rajeshbhai, initially encouraged him to take up sports for fitness. “We started off running laps together,” Keval recalls. “But Axar got bored and began skipping practice to play tennis-ball cricket instead.”
One morning, Rajeshbhai caught him skipping practice, and that was the turning point. “After that, he never missed a session,” Keval says.
A Cricketer with an Unshakable Belief
Axar’s journey wasn’t just about cricket—it was about discipline and patience. The 2km walk from his home to the canal shaped his daily routine, a mix of hard work, friendships, and quiet reflection.
Those who saw him play early on weren’t surprised when he made it big. “He always batted at No. 5 and rarely failed,” Keval remembers.
From Fast Bowler to Spin-Bowling All-Rounder
Interestingly, Axar started as a fast bowler. “In school tournaments, he bowled pace,” says his childhood coach, Amrish Patel. “But he struggled with balance. Whenever he got tired, he switched to spin—and that’s when he really started taking wickets.”
His natural batting talent complemented his bowling, but selectors often questioned his aggressive shot selection. During an Under-16 tournament, he was almost dropped for playing too many risky strokes. “Some wanted to leave him out, but we backed him,” says Bharat Mistry, a former Gujarat Ranji player. Axar responded with a match-winning century, proving his worth once again.
The Relentless Work Ethic That Set Him Apart
A few years ago, when he faced inconsistent selection, Axar went back to his roots. He trained for hours each day at his childhood ground, rediscovering his rhythm.
“For the first 30 minutes, he’d just block the ball,” says Vishal Jayswal, a Gujarat Ranji player. “Then, he’d start attacking. Every day, we lost at least 2-3 balls to his sixes.”
That training paid off. The same slog sweep he perfected in Nadiad reappeared on the world stage—first in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, and again in the Champions Trophy against New Zealand.
More Than Just a Cricketer
For Manish Desai, president of the Kheda District Cricket Association, Axar’s success isn’t just about the trophies he’s won—it’s about what he has done for Nadiad’s cricketing culture.
A decade ago, barely 70-80 boys trained at the town’s cricket ground. Today, that number has quadrupled, with 250-300 aspiring cricketers showing up daily.
Even more inspiring is the rise of young female cricketers. “Before, there were barely any girls playing cricket here,” says Ami Patel, a budding cricketer. “But after seeing Axar succeed, more girls started joining. Last year’s summer camp had 40 girls!”
She remembers attending a talk where Axar spoke to young players. “What struck me was his simplicity. He doesn’t act like a superstar when he’s here. He just plays, spends time with friends, and stays true to his roots.”
A Legacy Beyond the Game
When Axar returned home after his first IPL season, the town celebrated with a roadshow. After the T20 World Cup, another grand event was planned. But Axar had something else in mind.
Instead of a parade, he asked for better training facilities for young players.
That’s Axar Patel for you. A cricketer with world-class talent, but a heart that remains in Nadiad.
