Axar Patel is an Indian left-handed batting all-rounder and slow left-arm orthodox spinner who has built a long international career across Tests, ODIs and T20Is. Born on January 20, 1994, in Anand, Gujarat, and raised in Nadiad, Patel developed from a talented school and district cricketer into a multi-format India international, IPL captain and member of India’s recent ICC title-winning teams. The BCCI lists him as an all-rounder and records his international debut in 2014.
By 2026, Axar’s career had entered another significant phase. He became India’s T20I vice-captain, captained the Delhi Capitals in the IPL, passed 100 T20I wickets and played a role in India’s successful 2026 T20 World Cup campaign. He was also selected for India’s 2026 Asian Games squad, with India entering the men’s cricket competition at the quarter-final stage.
Axar Patel Career Stats
| Format | Career | Matches | Innings | Runs | HS | Bat Avg | 50s | 100s | Wickets | BBI | Bowl Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TESTCareer source | 2021–2024 | 14 | — | 646 | 84 | 35.88 | — | 55 | — | 5/1 | 4.00 |
| ODIRecorded matches only | 2014–2026 | 74 | 59 | 918 | 64 | 23.54 | 4 | 0 | 80 | — | 32.74 |
| T20IRecorded summary — newer snapshot | 2015–2026 | 103 | 73 | 767 | 65 | 16.67 | 1 | 0 | 103 | — | 23.29 |
| First-ClassRecorded matches only | 2018–2018 | 4 | 7 | 147 | 95 | 24.50 | 1 | 0 | 18 | — | 13.06 |
| T20Recorded matches only | 2014–2026 | 200 | 152 | 2,573 | 70 | 23.18 | 6 | 0 | 157 | — | 31.22 |
This compact table is rendered directly from the shared per-format source selection; recorded-only rows are explicitly labelled. Detailed opponent, venue, year and dismissal analysis remains on the full stats page.
Axar Patel
/cricket-player/axar-patel/Each format uses one source consistently. Recorded-only figures are labelled separately.
Career source
Recorded matches only
Recorded summary — newer snapshot
Recorded matches only
Recorded matches only
Axar Patel Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Axar Rajeshbhai Patel |
| Known as | Axar Patel, Akshar Patel |
| Date of birth | January 20, 1994 |
| Birthplace | Anand, Gujarat, India |
| Hometown | Nadiad, Gujarat |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Role | Bowling all-rounder |
| Batting | Left-handed |
| Bowling | Slow left-arm orthodox |
| India debut | ODI, 2014 |
| T20I debut | 2015 |
| Test debut | 2021 |
| Domestic team | Gujarat |
| IPL team | Delhi Capitals |
| IPL captaincy | Delhi Capitals, from 2025 |
| T20I vice-captaincy | India |
| Jersey number | 20 |
| Wife | Meha Patel |
| Son | Haksh Patel |
The core playing details are supported by the ICC and BCCI profiles. Public biographical sources also consistently identify Nadiad as Axar’s hometown and Dharmsinh Desai University as part of his educational background.
Early Life and Childhood in Nadiad
Axar Patel grew up in Nadiad, Gujarat, in a family that initially expected him to concentrate on education rather than professional cricket. His father, Rajeshbhai Patel, encouraged him to make a choice between studies and cricket when Axar was still young. Axar chose cricket and subsequently joined a local cricket academy.
His early cricket was not limited to conventional school matches. He played tennis-ball cricket in Nadiad and developed a reputation for aggressive hitting. That style eventually produced his childhood nickname “Jayasuriya,” referring to former Sri Lankan all-rounder Sanath Jayasuriya. Axar later explained in an interview that his local teammates began using the nickname after seeing him attack the ball, particularly on the leg side.
His early development was unusual because he initially bowled left-arm pace. His childhood coaches later converted him into a left-arm spinner, partly because of his natural accuracy and the wickets he began taking with spin. Indian Express reported that coach Amrish Patel remembered Axar bowling pace in school before switching to spin when he became tired, eventually developing into a specialist spin-bowling all-rounder.
Another important influence was Sanjaybhai Patel of the Kheda District Cricket Association. Contemporary reporting says he began coaching Axar around the age of 14 and helped guide his transition into organized cricket. Axar also attended a 21-day National Cricket Academy camp in Bengaluru when he was around 17 or 18.
Axar Patel Family and Education
Axar’s father is Rajeshbhai Patel, while his mother is Pritiben Patel. His older sister Shivani Patel has spoken publicly about his rise and his breakthrough Test performances. Reporting from 2021 identified Shivani as three years older than Axar.
His father initially hoped Axar would become an engineer because he was a strong student. Reports from the time of Axar’s Test breakthrough described him as a school rank-holder. His father nevertheless supported the decision to prioritize cricket once Axar’s potential became clear.
Axar studied at Dharmsinh Desai University in Nadiad. The university was also identified as his alma mater when the 2026 T20 World Cup trophy was taken there during its promotional tour. Public sources differ over the precise status of his engineering studies, so it is safer to describe him as having studied engineering there rather than claim a completed engineering degree.
His educational story is therefore an important part of his early-life narrative: he was academically capable, but professional cricket eventually became his primary career.
Domestic Cricket Career: Gujarat Breakthrough
Axar’s professional rise came through Gujarat cricket.
The ICC records that he made his List A debut for Gujarat in 2012, aged 18, and that the 2013-14 Ranji Trophy season was particularly important. He took 29 wickets while contributing useful runs, strengthening his case for higher-level selection.
His first-class career also developed rapidly. He became known for bowling long, accurate spells and for contributing lower-order runs. His ability to perform both disciplines gave Gujarat a player who could influence matches without needing to dominate either discipline alone.
That versatility eventually attracted IPL attention and led to his international opportunity.
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IPL Career: Mumbai Indians, Punjab and Delhi Capitals
Axar was initially associated with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL but did not play for them during his first season. He moved to Kings XI Punjab, now Punjab Kings, and his breakthrough IPL season came in 2014. The Punjab Kings’ official statistical archive records that he played 17 matches in 2014, took 17 wickets and scored 62 runs.
His 2014 season was also important because it helped establish him as more than a specialist bowler. His economy, fielding and ability to contribute runs made him a valuable T20 package.
The 2016 IPL Hat-Trick
One of Axar’s most recognizable IPL achievements came in 2016.
Playing for Kings XI Punjab against Gujarat Lions, Axar took four wickets in five balls, including a hat-trick. The IPL’s official report records the dismissals of Dwayne Smith, Dinesh Karthik, Dwayne Bravo and then Ravindra Jadeja. The spell finished at 4/21.
The performance became one of the defining moments of his early T20 career and demonstrated his ability to take wickets in clusters rather than simply contain scoring.
Move to Delhi Capitals
Axar joined the Delhi Capitals in 2019 and became one of the franchise’s longest-serving players. His role expanded over time from spin-bowling all-rounder to senior leadership figure.
Delhi Capitals appointed him captain for the 2025 IPL season, replacing the previous leadership structure after Rishabh Pant left the franchise. At the time of his appointment, Delhi Capitals described him as the team’s longest-serving player and highlighted his record of 967 runs and 62 wickets in his first 82 matches for the franchise.
The franchise retained Axar for ₹16.5 crore for the 2025 season, and that same retention figure carried into 2026. Delhi Capitals’ official 2026 auction page lists Axar among its retained players at ₹16.5 crore.
Axar Patel IPL Stats
Through the 2026 season, the IPL archive lists Axar with:
- 176 matches
- 2,089 runs
- 4 half-centuries
- 139 wickets
- Best bowling: 4/21
- Overall IPL economy: 7.41
In 2026 specifically, he scored 173 runs at a strike rate of 131.06 and took 11 wickets at an economy rate of 8.18.
His 2026 batting included a 56 from 30 balls against Punjab Kings, a 34 not out from 18 against Rajasthan Royals and a 39 from 25 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
India Debut and Early International Career
Axar made his ODI debut against Bangladesh on June 15, 2014, in Dhaka. His T20I debut followed against Zimbabwe on July 17, 2015, in Harare. His Test debut did not arrive until 2021.
He was part of India’s squad for the 2015 ODI World Cup, and by 2016 he had risen as high as No. 13 in the ICC ODI bowling rankings after a strong performance against Zimbabwe.
His early international identity was primarily that of a restrictive left-arm spinner. Over time, however, his batting developed enough to turn him into a genuine all-round option.
Axar Patel’s 2021 Test Breakthrough
The biggest transformation of Axar Patel’s international career came with his Test debut against England in Chennai in February 2021.
He took 7 wickets on debut, including a five-wicket haul, and then continued to dominate the series. Across his first three Tests against England, he collected 27 wickets.
His best match figures in Test cricket remain 11/70, while his best innings figures are 6/38. BCCI’s current career statistics list him with 57 Test wickets at an average of 19.67 from 15 Tests.
The breakthrough was particularly significant because Axar had already spent years in international white-ball cricket before receiving his Test opportunity. His performances immediately established him as a bowler capable of exploiting spin-friendly Indian conditions.
Batting Development and the Move Up the Order
Axar was originally viewed primarily as a lower-order batter, but his batting became increasingly important.
His childhood reputation as a big hitter was well established, yet he took time to translate that attacking ability into senior cricket. In 2023, he explained that scoring a Test fifty against New Zealand and an unbeaten 64 in an ODI had helped break a mental barrier in his batting.
India also experimented with using him higher in the batting order in T20 cricket.
During the 2024 T20 World Cup, he was promoted in situations where India wanted additional left-handed batting and greater acceleration through the middle order.
2024 T20 World Cup: Axar’s Defining Tournament
The 2024 T20 World Cup was one of the defining tournaments of Axar Patel’s international career.
ICC’s tournament statistics record 92 runs and nine wickets for Axar. He also contributed in the field and was used in different tactical roles.
Against England in the semi-final, Axar produced a Player of the Match performance with 3/23. His bowling helped India control England’s chase.
47 in the 2024 T20 World Cup Final
Axar’s most memorable batting performance of the tournament came in the final against South Africa.
India had lost early wickets and Axar was promoted up the order. He scored 47 from 31 balls, striking four sixes and a four, before being run out. His aggressive innings helped India recover momentum and build the platform for the eventual seven-run victory.
The innings was particularly notable because Axar was not simply filling a lower-order role. He was entrusted with a situation requiring immediate attacking intent.
India won the tournament, and Axar became one of the important contributors to the campaign.
2025 Champions Trophy
Axar was also part of India’s successful 2025 ICC Champions Trophy campaign.
In the final against New Zealand, he scored 29 from 40 balls during India’s successful chase of 252. With the ball, he bowled eight overs for 29 runs without taking a wicket. India won by four wickets.
The final performance reflected one of Axar’s central characteristics: his value does not necessarily depend on taking wickets or scoring a large individual total in every match. He can contribute through control, batting depth and fielding while allowing other players to attack.
2023 Injury and ODI World Cup Absence
One of the significant setbacks in Axar’s career came in 2023.
He suffered a left quadriceps strain during India’s Asia Cup Super Four match against Bangladesh. The injury caused him to miss the Asia Cup final and ultimately ruled him out of India’s 2023 ODI World Cup squad. Ravichandran Ashwin was named his replacement.
The missed World Cup was an important interruption because the tournament was being played in India. Axar subsequently returned to international cricket and was part of India’s successful 2024 and 2025 ICC campaigns.
2026 T20 World Cup and Three-Wicket Final
Axar’s 2026 season added another major chapter to his international career.
He was named India’s T20I vice-captain and retained that leadership role for the 2026 T20 World Cup.
During the tournament, he scored 16 runs and took 11 wickets in seven matches, with best figures of 3/27.
The final against New Zealand was played on March 8, 2026, in Ahmedabad. India scored 255/5 and bowled New Zealand out for 159, winning by 96 runs and becoming the first team to successfully defend the men’s T20 World Cup.
Axar played a major role with the ball. He dismissed Finn Allen, Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell to finish with 3/27. His dismissal of Phillips reduced New Zealand to 47/3 and helped India maintain control of the chase.
This made Axar part of India’s successive T20 World Cup title-winning campaigns in 2024 and 2026.
Axar Patel Passes 100 T20I Wickets
Axar reached an important statistical milestone in 2026 when he became one of the bowlers to pass 100 T20I wickets.
He took his 100th T20I wicket against England in Manchester on July 4, 2026, dismissing Harry Brook.
Recent statistical databases list him at 102 T20I wickets after India’s September 2026 matches, with 103 T20I appearances recorded by some databases after the Japan fixture. His best T20I figures remain 3/9.
Because different statistical databases update at different times, the precise appearance count should always be dated when publishing a live biography.
2026 England ODI Series
Axar produced one of his strongest all-round performances of 2026 in the first ODI against England at Edgbaston.
He took 4/62 and then scored an unbeaten 57 from 52 balls. He and Washington Sundar added an unbeaten 102-run partnership to complete India’s six-wicket chase.
The innings demonstrated the increasingly important second half of Axar’s game: he was able to absorb pressure, rotate strike and then attack when the situation required it.
Across India’s 2026 ODI series against England, he finished with five wickets and 60 runs according to current series records.
India T20I Vice-Captaincy
Axar’s leadership responsibilities expanded significantly during 2025 and 2026.
The BCCI states that his consistent performances earned him the role of India’s T20I vice-captain in 2025. He subsequently retained the position around the 2026 T20 World Cup.
He is also a senior figure within the Delhi Capitals setup and was appointed their IPL captain in 2025. His leadership experience therefore exists at both franchise and international levels.
Current Status in September 2026
As of September 27, 2026, Axar remains an active India international.
He played in India’s three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in September, taking 1/27, 1/28 and 2/9.
He also played in India’s rain-shortened T20 fixture against Japan on September 22, returning 0/7 from two overs.
Axar is part of India’s squad for the 2026 Asian Games. The BCCI’s updated squad includes him alongside Shreyas Iyer, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah and others.
India entered the men’s Asian Games cricket competition directly at the quarter-final stage. Their opening knockout match is scheduled against Afghanistan on September 28.
His immediate competitive status is therefore that of an active senior member of India’s T20 setup rather than a retired or fringe international.
Axar Patel International Career Statistics
Current BCCI statistics list the following core figures before the most recent September T20I updates:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest | Bat Avg. | Wickets | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 15 | 688 | 84 | 34.40 | 57 | 6/38 |
| ODIs | 74 | 918 | 64* | 23.54 | 80 | 4/62 |
| T20Is | 101* | 750 | 65 | 16.67 | 101* | 3/9 |
*The BCCI page’s displayed figures pre-date some later 2026 T20I matches. Later statistical records list Axar at 102 T20I wickets and 102–103 appearances depending on database update timing.
His Test numbers underline how productive he was during the 2021 breakthrough, while his white-ball statistics show the broader role he has developed over the rest of his career.
Axar Patel’s Playing Style
Axar bowls slow left-arm orthodox spin and is particularly associated with accuracy, changes of pace through the air and the ability to maintain pressure over multiple overs.
His development from left-arm pace to spin was central to his career. His early coaches identified accuracy as one of his most valuable qualities, and that trait remained prominent as he progressed through Gujarat, the IPL and India.
As a batter, Axar is a left-hander who can play aggressively against spin and pace. His role has expanded from lower-order support to flexible middle-order batting, particularly in T20 cricket.
His value as an all-rounder also comes from his fielding and tactical flexibility. India have used him in different batting positions and bowling phases depending on match conditions.
Axar Patel’s Nicknames
Two names appear repeatedly in credible reporting:
- Jayasuriya — a childhood nickname from Nadiad, based on his aggressive hitting and left-arm bowling.
- Bapu — a nickname used around the Indian team and in reporting about him.
The “Jayasuriya” story has been directly explained by Axar himself, while Bapu has also appeared in comments from Indian teammates and contemporary coverage.
Axar Patel Wife and Children
Axar Patel married Meha Patel on January 26, 2023, in Vadodara, Gujarat. The couple had become engaged in January 2022. Indian Express reported that Meha is a dietitian and nutritionist.
The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Haksh Patel, in December 2024. Axar announced the birth publicly through social media.
This is one area where publication should remain limited to well-documented public facts rather than reproducing speculative private-life material.
Axar Patel Salary and Net Worth
Axar’s financial profile contains two very different categories of information.
His IPL remuneration is publicly documented. Delhi Capitals retained him for ₹16.5 crore for the 2025 season, and the franchise’s official 2026 auction information again lists him at ₹16.5 crore.
His BCCI central contract for the 2025-26 season is Grade C. The BCCI announced the contract list on February 9, 2026, but did not publish an individual rupee salary for Axar alongside the grade.
By contrast, online estimates of Axar Patel’s total net worth vary substantially and are not based on a publicly audited personal balance sheet. For that reason, a precise “Axar Patel net worth” figure should not be presented as an established fact. The documented IPL contract is much more reliable than website-generated wealth estimates.
Major Axar Patel Records and Career Milestones
Some of the most significant milestones in Axar Patel’s career include:
- India ODI debut in 2014.
- India T20I debut in 2015.
- Selection in India’s 2015 ODI World Cup squad.
- BCCI Under-19 Cricketer of the Year recognition.
- IPL Emerging Player recognition.
- Four wickets in five balls, including a hat-trick, in IPL 2016.
- 7 wickets on Test debut against England in 2021.
- 27 wickets in his first three Tests against England.
- Test best match figures of 11/70.
- 3/23 against England in the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final.
- 47 from 31 balls in the 2024 T20 World Cup final.
- Member of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup-winning team.
- Member of India’s 2025 Champions Trophy-winning team.
- Delhi Capitals captain from IPL 2025.
- India T20I vice-captain from 2025.
- 4/62 and 57* against England in the first ODI of 2026.
- More than 100 T20I wickets in 2026.
- 3/27 in the 2026 T20 World Cup final.
- Member of India’s 2026 T20 World Cup-winning team.
- Selection for India’s 2026 Asian Games squad.
Why Axar Patel’s Career Has Been Unusual
Axar’s career is notable for the amount of transformation involved.
He did not arrive in international cricket as a finished batting all-rounder. His initial identity was closer to that of a left-arm specialist bowler who could bat. His childhood cricket included left-arm pace before he transitioned to spin. His batting, meanwhile, took years to become a consistently meaningful part of his senior game.
The 2021 Test breakthrough changed his international profile. The 2024 T20 World Cup demonstrated that he could perform in high-pressure batting situations. The 2025 Champions Trophy reinforced his value as a multi-skill player, while 2026 added formal leadership responsibility and another T20 World Cup title.
His career therefore cannot be understood solely through wicket totals. It is better understood as a progression from local left-arm spinner → domestic all-rounder → IPL specialist → India white-ball regular → Test match-winner → middle-order T20 option → international vice-captain and IPL captain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Axar Patel’s full name?
His full name is Axar Rajeshbhai Patel. He is also commonly referred to as Akshar Patel in family and biographical references.
When was Axar Patel born?
Axar Patel was born on January 20, 1994. Official cricket profiles identify Gujarat as his home state, with Nadiad commonly described as his hometown.
Where is Axar Patel from?
He is from Gujarat, India, and grew up in Nadiad. His early cricket development was closely connected with the Kheda District Cricket Association and local cricket in Nadiad.
Who is Axar Patel’s wife?
Axar Patel’s wife is Meha Patel. They married in Vadodara on January 26, 2023.
Does Axar Patel have children?
Yes. Axar and Meha Patel welcomed their son, Haksh Patel, in December 2024.
What is Axar Patel’s bowling style?
He is a slow left-arm orthodox spinner.
Is Axar Patel an all-rounder?
Yes. He is officially classified as an all-rounder and bats left-handed while bowling slow left-arm orthodox spin.
When did Axar Patel make his India debut?
He made his ODI debut against Bangladesh on June 15, 2014. He made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in July 2015 and his Test debut against England in February 2021.
What are Axar Patel’s best Test bowling figures?
His best innings figures are 6/38, while his best match figures are 11/70.
How many T20I wickets does Axar Patel have?
Current 2026 statistical records list him with more than 100 T20I wickets, with 102 wickets recorded by databases following India’s September 2026 fixtures.
How many wickets did Axar Patel take in the 2024 T20 World Cup?
He took nine wickets during India’s 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. He also scored 92 runs.
How did Axar Patel perform in the 2024 T20 World Cup final?
He scored 47 from 31 balls against South Africa after being promoted up the order. India won the final by seven runs.
How did Axar Patel perform in the 2026 T20 World Cup final?
He took 3/27 against New Zealand as India won the final by 96 runs in Ahmedabad.
Is Axar Patel the Delhi Capitals captain?
He was appointed Delhi Capitals captain ahead of the 2025 IPL season and continued as a senior leadership figure with the franchise in 2026.
How much was Axar Patel retained for in IPL 2026?
Delhi Capitals retained him for ₹16.5 crore for 2026.
Is Axar Patel still playing for India in 2026?
Yes. As of September 2026, he remains an active India international and was selected for the 2026 Asian Games squad.
Axar Patel Career Timeline
| Year | Major event |
|---|---|
| 1994 | Born in Gujarat |
| Early years | Developed in Nadiad and Kheda district cricket |
| 2012 | List A breakthrough with Gujarat |
| 2013 | First-class cricket and domestic rise |
| 2014 | India ODI debut; IPL breakthrough |
| 2015 | T20I debut; 2015 World Cup squad |
| 2016 | IPL hat-trick and four wickets in five balls |
| 2019 | Joined Delhi Capitals |
| 2021 | Test debut; 27 wickets in first three Tests vs England |
| 2023 | Married Meha Patel; missed 2023 ODI World Cup through injury |
| 2024 | T20 World Cup champion; 47 in final |
| 2025 | Champions Trophy champion; became Delhi Capitals captain and India T20I vice-captain |
| 2026 | Passed 100 T20I wickets; won T20 World Cup; took 3/27 in final; selected for Asian Games |
Bottom Line
Axar Patel’s biography is the story of a Gujarat cricketer whose career expanded far beyond his original identity as a left-arm spinner. His domestic development, IPL longevity, dramatic 2021 Test breakthrough, increasingly influential batting, performances in India’s 2024 and 2026 T20 World Cup triumphs, 2025 Champions Trophy success and growing leadership responsibilities have made him one of India’s established multi-format all-rounders.
As of September 2026, he remains active for India, continues to play for Delhi Capitals and is part of India’s Asian Games squad. His most recent career phase combines three elements that were not equally prominent at the beginning of his career: all-round impact, leadership and experience in major tournament cricket.
Conclusion
Axar Patel’s journey reflects the growth of a versatile Indian cricketer who has developed into an important all-rounder across formats. From his early domestic cricket in Gujarat and IPL opportunities to his rise in international cricket, he has built his career through consistent left-arm spin, useful lower-order batting, and dependable performances under pressure.
His contributions in major tournaments, including the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy, have added important milestones to his career. As his role with India and in the IPL continues to evolve, Axar remains a valuable part of modern Indian cricket. His career is also a reminder of how patience, adaptability, and consistent performances can turn a promising domestic player into an established international cricketer.