Mumbai

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has credited former India captain MS Dhoni’s advice during the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup for transforming his mindset and altering the trajectory of his international career, particularly as a batter.

Now a key member of the Indian setup, Axar has emerged as a dependable all-rounder over the past few years, playing vital roles in India’s triumphs at the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and the Champions Trophy 2025. Just days before the 2021 T20 World Cup, Axar had reflected on his journey in an interview with ESPNCricinfo’s The Cricket Monthly.

Recounting his conversation with Dhoni, who was serving as Team India’s mentor during the 2021 tournament, Axar said he expressed concern about his batting performances at the international level. At that point, Axar had played 53 international matches, scoring just 311 runs at an average of 14.13, though he had already established himself as a reliable bowler with 81 wickets at an average of 24.49.

Axar recalled telling Dhoni, “Mahi bhai, in international cricket, I have not been able to prove myself fully, especially in batting. You have seen me for a long time. What can I do?”

Dhoni responded by pointing out that Axar was carrying the burden of past failures, including early dismissals to quality deliveries. “When you came in at 19, you got out a few times early, including an lbw to Dale Steyn in an ODI. Those moments stayed in your mind,” Axar recalled Dhoni as saying.

Dhoni emphasised that while Axar played freely in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League, he became overcautious in international matches due to fear of failure. He advised Axar to settle down, rotate the strike and then attack, rather than constantly trying to prove himself. “Don’t burden yourself with the thought that getting out means failure. You’re playing as an all-rounder, and that pressure is unnecessary,” Dhoni told him.

At the time, competition for spin-bowling all-rounder slots was intense, with players like Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal ahead in the pecking order. Axar was part of the reserves as India exited the 2021 T20 World Cup in the group stage.

Axar also reflected on being dropped from the Indian team in 2018, saying it became a period of intense self-improvement. “I worked on everything — batting, bowling, fitness and mindset. I realised I could only control my preparation,” he said, adding that strong performances in domestic cricket, India A matches and the IPL helped him regain confidence.

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Since his recall in 2021, Axar’s batting numbers have seen a marked improvement. He has scored 1,983 runs in 123 matches at an average of 26.79, along with eight half-centuries, while continuing to excel with the ball, taking 161 wickets at an average of 23.27. His ability to adapt as a finisher, stabiliser or spin-hitter has made him a valuable asset across formats.