Image Source: AFP
[Saba Sports News] Axar Patel revealed that his Under-16 coach, Sanjay Patel, advised him to switch from being a pacer to a spinner due to his biomechanics.
Initially uninterested in spin bowling, Axar made the transition and thrived. In India’s recent T20 World Cup-winning campaign, he took nine wickets in eight games at an average of 19.22 and a strike rate of 14.66, with an economy rate of 7.86.
He starred in the semifinals against England with figures of 3/23, earning Player of the Match honors, and contributed a crucial 47 off 31 balls in the final against South Africa.
In a recent interview, Axar recounted his journey from a fast bowler to a spinner, crediting former India left-arm spinner Venkatapathy Raju for helping him refine his skills.
“I was a fast bowler, but my coach Sanjay Patel suggested I switch to spin. I had zero interest in spin bowling but started taking wickets and stuck with it,” Axar revealed.
“Venkatapathy Raju sir at NCA had more confidence in my bowling than I did and helped me understand the nuances of spin.”
Axar has been named in India’s squad for the upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka, where they will play three T20Is and three ODIs, starting on July 27 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.