Axar Patel is an all-rounder across all three formats. He is a left-handed batter and a slow left-arm orthodox spinner. He plays domestic cricket for Gujarat cricket team and captains the Delhi Capitals in the IPL. He is also the vice-captain of India’s T20I side.
Axar was born on 20 January 1994 in Nadiad. He made his ODI debut for India against Bangladesh national cricket team on 15 June 2014. His Test debut came against England cricket team in February 2021. It was a dream start. He took seven wickets in the match and became only the ninth Indian bowler to take a five-wicket haul on Test debut.
Axar has also been part of some of India’s biggest recent successes. He was a member of the squads that won the 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cups and the 2025 Champions Trophy. His accurate bowling and fielding made him a very important player in white-ball cricket.
Outside cricket, Axar married Meha Patel in Vadodara on 26 January 2023. The couple welcomed their son Haksh in December 2024.
Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Axar Patel
A Nurse’s Spelling Mistake Named Him ‘Axar’
His actual name is Akshar. But a nurse at the Anand clinic made a spelling error on his birth registration certificate, writing ‘Axar’ instead. Later, his school principal made the same mistake on his leaving certificate. By then, the wrong spelling had officially stuck. So a simple clerical error gave Indian cricket its unique ‘Axar’ Patel.
Was Bought by MI in 2013 but Never Played
Before becoming a star with Kings XI Punjab, Axar was picked up by Mumbai Indians during the 2013 IPL season. But despite being part of the squad, he never got to play a single match for them. It was only after a brilliant Ranji Trophy season that KXIP bought him, and he became the ‘Emerging Player of the Year’.
Could Bowl Fast as a Kid Until a Freak Injury
As a junior, Axar was a left-arm fast bowler, not a spinner. That changed after a childhood accident – he hurt his left shin with a sickle while playing in the fields. The injury permanently affected his run-up, making fast bowling difficult. He only turned to spin to avoid getting bored while fielding. A freak accident shaped his career.
The Unfulfilled Wish That Drove Him to Cricket
Axar’s grandmother was his biggest supporter. She always wanted to watch him play for India. Sadly, she died while he was playing in a local district match. He couldn’t even attend her funeral. That loss became his driving force. Every time he wears that India jersey, it’s for her.
The ‘Bapu’ Nickname Given by MS Dhoni
Axar’s famous nickname ‘Bapu’ wasn’t from childhood. MS Dhoni gave it to him when Ravindra Jadeja was not playing. Dhoni found it odd to cheer ‘Well bowled, Axar’ and asked for a shorter name. Axar suggested ‘Akki’, but Dhoni decided ‘Bapu’ because both he and Jadeja are Gujarati. And it stuck forever.
‘Bapu’s Cafe’ and His Black Coffee Story
Axar once thought black coffee was “bitter and tasteless” and couldn’t understand why teammates drank it. Then Delhi Capitals teammate Harshal Patel taught him the right method. His perspective changed completely. He now jokes that he could open a café called “Bapu’s Cafe” someday. A small but hilarious glimpse into his personality.
Was a Rank-Holder Who Wanted to Be an Engineer
Long before his batting heroics, Axar was a brilliant student. He stood first in his school until class X and originally dreamed of becoming a mechanical engineer. His father had to be persuaded by local cricket officials to let his son focus on the sport instead of academics. Cricket almost lost a good engineer.
His Love Story with Wife Meha Is a Childhood Fairytale
Axar married Meha Patel in January 2023. Their romance is truly heartwarming. They met as children and eventually fell in love. She is a certified nutritionist who keeps a low profile. But remains his strongest support system. A childhood friendship that turned into a lifelong partnership.
Broke a 100-Year-Old Record in Test Cricket
Axar achieved something remarkable during the 2021 Test series against New Zealand. He picked up five five-wicket hauls in just seven innings. That feat made him the first bowler in over 100 years to reach that landmark so quickly. He joined legends from the 1880s. A spinner rewriting history books at lightning speed.
Named His Son ‘Haksh’ and Called Him India’s Biggest Fan
In December 2024, Axar and Meha became parents to a baby boy. They named him Haksh, which means “gift”. Announcing the birth, Axar posted a heartwarming picture of his newborn in a Team India jersey, calling him “India’s smallest, yet biggest fan”. A beautiful moment from a family man.
FAQs
Q. What type of player is Axar Patel?
A. Axar Patel is a left-handed batting all-rounder who also bowls slow left-arm spin.
Q. Which teams does Axar Patel play for?
A. Axar Patel plays for Gujarat in domestic cricket and Delhi Capitals in the IPL.
Q. When did Axar Patel make his international debut?
A. Axar Patel made his ODI debut in 2014 against Bangladesh.
Q. What is special about his Test debut?
A. Axar Patel took seven wickets against England in his first Test match in 2021.
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