“‘I Was Trying to Hit Too Hard’: Axar Patel Reveals the Mistake Behind His T20I Struggles After Historic ODI Heroics Against England

Axar Patel’s Honest Admission Follows a Career-Defining Performance

India’s dependable all-rounder Axar Patel produced one of the finest performances of his ODI career, helping the Men in Blue secure a convincing six-wicket victory over England in the opening ODI at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

The 32-year-old starred with both bat and ball, claiming four crucial wickets before guiding India’s chase with an unbeaten half-century. His all-round brilliance earned widespread praise, but it was his honest post-match confession that caught everyone’s attention.

Speaking after the match, Axar admitted that his own approach with the bat during the recent T20I series had been flawed.“I feel like I was trying to hit the ball too hard during the T20Is,” Axar said while reflecting on his recent struggles.

Why Axar Changed His Batting Mindset

According to Axar, his role in the T20I format often forced him into difficult situations. Walking in during the final overs meant he had very little time to settle, leaving him with no option but to attack from the very first ball.

However, in doing so, he felt he lost his natural rhythm.

In the ODI opener, the situation was completely different. With India getting a solid start, Axar focused on building partnerships instead of chasing boundaries from the outset.

That change in mindset proved to be the turning point.

Even after captain Shubman Gill retired hurt and KL Rahul departed, Axar remained calm under pressure and paced the chase beautifully, ensuring India crossed the finish line comfortably.

Historic Achievement Places Axar Among Indian Greats

Axar’s performance also earned him a place in India’s cricket history.

He became only the third Indian all-rounder to score a fifty and take four wickets in the same away ODI, joining an elite list that includes legendary names Sachin Tendulkar and Hardik Pandya.

The milestone highlights not only his value as a genuine all-rounder but also his growing importance in India’s limited-overs setup.

A Difficult T20I Series Before the Big Comeback

Axar’s recent ODI success comes after a disappointing run in the T20I format.

Against England, he scored only 19 runs in five innings, managing double figures just once while batting at different positions in the order. His strike rate remained below expectations, making it a frustrating series for the left-hander.

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Earlier against Ireland, he also failed to make significant contributions with the bat, registering scores of 15 and 14.

Although he picked up two wickets in both T20I series, his overall impact remained limited compared to the standards he has set over the years.

Senior Players Helped Maintain Confidence

Axar also acknowledged the influence of experienced campaigners Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, saying their presence creates a relaxed and positive atmosphere inside the dressing room.

The experienced leaders, according to Axar, help younger players stay calm during challenging phases and encourage them to trust their abilities rather than panic after a few poor performances.

That confidence appeared to reflect in Axar’s composed approach during the ODI chase.

What Lies Ahead for Team India?

With such an impressive all-round display, discussions have already begun over whether Axar should be promoted higher in India’s ODI batting order instead of continuing at No. 7.

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His ability to stabilize an innings while accelerating when required gives India additional flexibility in the middle order. If he continues this form, the team management could consider expanding his batting role in the remaining matches of the series.

For now, Axar Patel has answered his critics in the best possible way—through performances on the field. His willingness to admit mistakes, adjust his approach, and deliver under pressure reflects the maturity that makes him one of India’s most reliable all-rounders.