Axar Patel makes a big confession before his 100th T20 match: ‘I never imagined this’ cricket news
India all-rounder Axar Patel is set to achieve another major feat when he takes the field in the fourth T20I against England, and will become the 31st Indian cricketer to play 100 T20 Internationals. The historic feat comes just two matches after Axar took his 100th T20 wicket, underscoring his consistent impact as one of India’s most reliable white-ball all-rounders over the past decade.Reflecting on his journey from making his T20I debut in 2015 to reaching the milestone of 100 matches, Axar admitted that he had never imagined representing India so many times.“When I played my first T20 match, I never thought that I would play 100 matches. This England tour has been very special for me because I completed my 100 T20I wickets in the second match and now I will play my 100th T20I in the fourth match. “This is a very special moment and I am really enjoying it,” Axar said in a video shared by BCCI.The left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder also credited his teammates, coaches and family for helping him reach this milestone.“It feels really good. Whenever you achieve a milestone, it’s not just about you. My teammates, coaches and family have all played a role in this journey.”Axar also recalled the feelings of making his India debut and how representing the country is every cricketer’s ultimate dream.“When you make your debut, it’s a completely different feeling. At that time, you don’t know how much you will achieve in your career. Now, I’m about to play my 100th match, and it’s a feeling that can’t really be expressed. “Even playing a match for India is a dream come true.”
Axar Patel’s T20I career statistics
Since his debut in 2015, Axar has scored 746 runs in 99 T20I matches at an average of 17.34, while taking 101 wickets at an impressive average of 21.86, with best figures of 3/9. He has also taken 38 catches while making valuable contributions in all three departments.The 31-year-old has been an integral member of India’s white-ball team and played a key role in the team’s victories in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s premier T20 all-rounders.