Imagine walking into a high-stakes cricket match—the biggest of your life—with no clue what role you’ll play. That was the reality for India’s all-rounder Axar Patel during the 2024 T20 World Cup final. In a stunning revelation, Patel recently admitted, “I didn’t know I was going to bat at 5.” His unexpected promotion turned into one of the most crucial knocks of the tournament—and now, he’s crediting none other than Virat bhai for helping him stay calm under fire [[1]].
Table of Contents
- The Uncertainty Before the Knock
- Axar Patel World Cup Final Innings: A Pressure Masterclass
- How Virat Kohli Stepped In as a Mentor
- From Self-Doubt to Unshakable Confidence
- What This Means for the 2026 T20 World Cup
- Conclusion
- Sources
The Uncertainty Before the Knock
For most players, knowing their batting position is part of pre-match preparation. But not for Axar. Speaking ahead of the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, he revealed that even as the final against South Africa unfolded, he had no idea he’d be walking in at No. 5—a spot typically reserved for finishers or power-hitters, not spin-bowling all-rounders [[1]].
“Honestly, I thought I might come in lower down, maybe at 7,” Patel said. “When the call came, it was a shock. But you don’t question it—you just go out and do your job.” That mindset, forged through years of domestic and international cricket, would soon be tested like never before.
Axar Patel World Cup Final Innings: A Pressure Masterclass
With India reeling at 87/4 in pursuit of 170, the pressure was immense. Enter Axar Patel. What followed wasn’t fireworks—but something arguably more valuable: intelligent, composed, and calculated aggression.
He scored a match-defining 38* off just 24 balls, stitching together critical partnerships and rotating strike with precision. His ability to absorb pressure while keeping the scoreboard ticking proved decisive in India’s narrow victory [[1]].
This knock wasn’t just about runs—it was about temperament. And that, according to Axar, didn’t come from nowhere.
How Virat Kohli Stepped In as a Mentor
Here’s where the story gets personal. Axar singled out Virat Kohli—his longtime teammate and friend—as the calming force behind his performance. “Virat bhai pulled me aside just before I walked out,” Patel recalled. “He said, ‘Don’t think about the crowd, the trophy, or the result. Just play your natural game. You’ve done this a hundred times.’”
That simple, grounded advice cut through the noise. In a sport where mental strength often outweighs technical skill in crunch moments, having a leader like Kohli in your corner can be the difference between panic and poise [INTERNAL_LINK:virat-kohli-leadership-impact].
From Self-Doubt to Unshakable Confidence
Axar admitted he’d struggled with self-doubt earlier in his career, especially after being dropped from the Test side in 2023. But the back-to-back ICC tournaments—the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy—became turning points.
His consistent performances in knockout games rebuilt his belief. “Those moments teach you who you are under fire,” he said. “Now, when I walk into a high-pressure chase, I don’t feel fear—I feel ready.”
This transformation is evident in his recent stats: in ICC knockout matches since 2024, Axar averages over 40 with the bat and maintains an economy rate below 6.5 with his left-arm spin [[2]].
What This Means for the 2026 T20 World Cup
As India gears up for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Axar’s evolution is a major asset. The team now has a genuine all-rounder who thrives in chaos—a player who can bowl four overs, take key wickets, and then anchor or accelerate the chase depending on the situation.
Key implications for Team India:
- Batting depth: Axar provides crucial stability at No. 5 or 6, allowing top-order stars to play freely.
- Mental resilience: His experience in finals makes him a psychological anchor for younger players.
- Tactical flexibility: Captain Rohit Sharma can now use him as a genuine match-up weapon against both pace and spin.
Conclusion
The Axar Patel World Cup final innings was more than just a match-winning performance—it was a testament to growth, mentorship, and mental fortitude. From not knowing his batting position to becoming India’s clutch performer, his journey offers a powerful lesson: sometimes, your greatest contributions come when you least expect them. As the 2026 T20 World Cup looms, one thing is clear—Axar Patel is no longer just a supporting cast member. He’s a certified big-game player.
Sources
- Times of India – ‘Didn’t know I was going to bat at 5’: Axar Patel credits ‘Virat bhai’ for WC final knock [[1]]
- ESPNcricinfo – India vs South Africa, T20 World Cup Final, 2024 – Match Report [[2]]