New Delhi

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar believes all-rounder Axar Patel has the potential to become one of the country’s greatest players, citing his all-round skills and sharp cricketing intelligence displayed during India’s semifinal victory over England in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

Axar produced two crucial fielding moments that helped India seal a thrilling seven-run win in Mumbai on Thursday night.

The India vice-captain first dismissed the dangerous Harry Brook with a stunning catch. Running 24 metres backwards from the cover position, Axar kept his eyes on the ball and held on to a slow-cutter from Jasprit Bumrah during the powerplay.

His second act of brilliance came later in the innings. When Will Jacks sliced a wide full toss from Arshdeep Singh towards deep point, Axar sprinted to his left to grab the ball before smartly relaying it to Shivam Dube just as he was about to cross the boundary.

“Axar’s catch to dismiss Brook was unbelievable. Brook can take the game away and you have to grab every chance to get his wicket,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.

He added that Axar’s awareness during the Jacks dismissal showed exceptional cricketing intelligence.

“At the highest level, temperament separates the greats from the good. With his batting and bowling, Axar is going to be one of India’s great players,” Gavaskar said.

Gavaskar also noted that Axar is doing well in filling the void left by Ravindra Jadeja after his retirement from T20 Internationals.

“We had Ravindra Jadeja before him and Axar is filling that void well. His bowling needs a little more polish, which will come with experience. His line, length and speed are improving every year,” he said.

According to Gavaskar, Axar’s role as vice-captain is also helping his growth as a cricketer.

“The vice-captaincy means he is thinking about everyone’s game, not just his own. That is great for his development,” he added.

Bumrah a “once-in-a-century” bowler

Gavaskar was equally lavish in his praise for fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a “once-in-a-century” talent.

During England’s chase, Jacob Bethell had kept the visitors in the hunt with a blazing 105. England needed 45 runs from the last three overs when Bumrah bowled a decisive 18th over.

Executing pinpoint yorkers, he conceded just six runs, leaving England with a daunting 39 runs to get from the final two overs.

“Jasprit Bumrah is not just a once-in-a-generation bowler. He is a once-in-a-century kind of bowler because he performs across all formats—Tests, ODIs and T20s,” Gavaskar said.

“He might have the occasional off day, but more often than not, when it matters, Bumrah delivers that crucial over. It may not always bring wickets, but he will concede just seven or eight runs when others are going for 15 or 20.”

Gavaskar also said it would be special if India goes on to lift the ICC Men's T20 World Cup on home soil.

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“Any time you play a World Cup at home, it is special. The crowd support, the applause when you save runs, take catches or score runs—it is an incredible feeling,” he said.