Axar Patel Credits ICC Tournaments for Boosting Confidence Ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
India all-rounder Axar Patel has revealed how his experiences in recent ICC tournaments helped him overcome self-doubt and grow into a dependable performer under pressure ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo’s The Cricket Monthly, Axar said the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy played a major role in shaping his mindset and confidence at the international level.
The 32-year-old admitted that he entered the 2024 T20 World Cup carrying emotional baggage from India’s painful semi-final loss to England in the 2022 edition.
“I was nervous because those memories were still in my mind,” Axar said, explaining how past failures had affected his mental approach before the tournament.
Overcoming Knockout Pressure
Those fears resurfaced when India once again faced England in the semi-final of the 2024 T20 World Cup in Guyana, where the pitch offered slow and uneven bounce.
Axar recalled how quickly he adjusted to the conditions.
“I realised early that batting wasn’t easy on that wicket,” he said.
Opening the bowling in the powerplay, Axar made an immediate impact by dismissing England captain Jos Buttler on the first ball with a well-planned delivery.
He said focusing on his strengths rather than worrying about the occasion helped him stay calm in a high-pressure knockout match.
“Once I trusted my preparation, I stopped thinking about the pressure,” he added.
Turning Point in the Final
Axar’s biggest test came in the final against South Africa, where he was promoted to No. 5 after India slipped to 34 for three.
The decision, taken by captain Rohit Sharma and then head coach Rahul Dravid, came unexpectedly.
“I didn’t know I was going to bat at five. It happened suddenly,” Axar recalled.
Batting alongside Virat Kohli, Axar played a crucial knock of 47 off 31 balls, helping India rebuild and shift the momentum.
“With Virat bhai at the other end, everything felt calmer,” he said.
Axar explained that their strategy was simple — rotate strike, pick favourable match-ups, and maintain a steady scoring rate.
“Ten runs an over was good for that situation,” he noted.
India eventually went on to lift the T20 World Cup, ending years of near-misses in ICC tournaments.
Champions Trophy Success in 2025
Axar carried that confidence into the 2025 Champions Trophy, where India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.
In the final against New Zealand, chasing 252, Axar scored a vital 29 off 40 balls and took on left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner at a crucial stage.
“I knew Santner would try to attack after Shreyas got out,” Axar said. “So I decided to take the chance.”
He struck Santner for a six, easing pressure and helping India stay on track.
India went on to win the title, ending a 12-year wait for the Champions Trophy.
Focus on T20 World Cup 2026
With India set to defend their T20 World Cup title in 2026, Axar is expected to remain a key member of the squad with both bat and ball.
The team has been placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands.
India will begin their campaign against the USA on February 7 and face Pakistan on February 15 in a high-profile group clash.
Axar believes his journey from self-doubt to confidence has prepared him for future challenges.
“Those tournaments taught me how to handle pressure,” he said. “Now I trust myself more.”
Our Thoughts
Axar Patel’s transformation highlights the importance of experience in international cricket. From struggling with self-doubt to delivering in finals and semi-finals, he has become one of India’s most reliable all-rounders.
As India enters the T20 World Cup 2026 as defending champions, Axar’s calm temperament and growing maturity could once again play a decisive role in crucial matches.
His journey also reflects how setbacks, when handled correctly, can shape champions.