Champions Trophy: Axar Patel Shares Insights on Virat's Century

New Delhi, Feb 24 (NationPress) As Virat Kohli approached his 51st ODI century during the 2025 Champions Trophy match against Pakistan, all-rounder Axar Patel disclosed that he was quietly calculating ways to assist the seasoned player in achieving the three-figure milestone.

At the Dubai International Stadium, once it became apparent that India would pursue 242 runs, there was a palpable tension regarding whether Kohli would secure his century with only 12 runs to go.

However, with Axar opting not to take a run for two runs at one point and primarily rotating the strike to keep Kohli at the crease, the veteran ultimately reached his century. He finished the chase for India by stepping down the pitch and striking Khushdil Shah through extra cover for a four, concluding his innings at a solid hundred off 111 balls.

"I think this was the first occasion I witnessed a high-stakes game live from the dressing room, where Virat bhai scored a century. It was incredibly enjoyable, especially observing how he maintained his fitness after fielding for 50 overs; it was thrilling to watch him run between the wickets," said Axar.

"We had a blast. In fact, I was also doing some calculations for his hundred towards the end. I was concerned that I might edge the ball or something along those lines. It was quite amusing," Axar remarked on ICC's official Instagram account.

Earlier in the match, Axar made a significant impact by executing a direct hit from mid-on to run out Imam-ul-Haq for 10 runs off 26 balls during the initial powerplay. “When I first came to bowl in the powerplay, I took a single; he hit the ball towards mid-off where Harshit Rana was fielding. I felt that based on the videos I had watched, he used to step out and take many singles.

“Just one ball before that, I visualized that he might take a single like that, and I executed a direct hit. I had a little head start, and when the moment arose, the direct hit occurred. Afterward, I thought, ‘It was great that I visualized it just one ball earlier’. Yes, but after that, the momentum shifted, and the rest is evident," he added.

Axar's second crucial contribution in the match came when he dismissed captain Mohammad Rizwan for 46 runs, and he shared how it unfolded. “Just one ball before, Hardik's bowling resulted in a missed catch off his bowling. When I noticed it, Hardik was visibly frustrated.

“When I came to bowl, I didn't anticipate that he would charge at me immediately. So, I delivered the ball slowly, and I think he expected it to be on length, but I slowed it down since he was playing a singles-doubles game, and I aimed to vary my pace.

“On that delivery, he stepped out and missed the line. I feel fortunate that I contributed to both breakthroughs. I sensed I was the only player involved in both the run-out and the catches. Overall, it was an excellent day for me," Axar noted.

For India, left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav took 3 wickets for 40 runs, and Axar remarked that he is gradually regaining his rhythm following hernia surgery. "Injuries require time for recovery. When you play matches, you reclaim your rhythm. He had been out for 3-4 months, and after that, he participated in 2-3 matches.

“He was trying to regain his rhythm even during continuous practice. You could observe that until the 40th over, he seemed a bit nervous, but all the teammates were supportive, reminding him that he was the one who would deliver for us.

“Then, after the 40 overs, the way he bowled demonstrated that his rhythm had returned. His bowling speed varied, and his natural variations were evident. He was also exhibiting a lot of confidence."

Axar concluded by expressing his eagerness for the upcoming six-day break before facing New Zealand on March 2. He anticipates that captain Rohit Sharma will take him out for dinner, something he promised after missing a catch at slips that denied the spinner a hat-trick in the match against Bangladesh.

"This was a high-stakes match, and now with a six-day break ahead, we might have qualified (for the semi-finals). So, I believe that one day in the next six days, I will have an opportunity to dine with him," he remarked.