New Delhi, March 6 (NationPress) Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar commended Axar Patel for his exceptional fielding display against England during the T20 World Cup semifinal. He remarked that previously, India relied heavily on Ravindra Jadeja for such remarkable fielding skills, but noted that Axar has admirably taken on that responsibility with his quick reflexes.

After Sanju Samson led India to a total of 253/7, England appeared to be on track in their chase, buoyed by a stunning century from Jacob Bethell. However, Axar's fielding efforts consistently thwarted the visitors' progress at critical junctures.

The first highlight of Axar's brilliance occurred early in the innings when Jasprit Bumrah deceived Harry Brook with a slower ball. The England captain misplayed the shot, sending it high over the covers, but Axar dashed back and executed a perfectly timed dive to secure a breathtaking catch just above the ground.

Subsequently, when Will Jacks looked poised to advance England's score, another moment of fielding magic happened at deep point. Axar sprinted after a sliced shot that was drifting away, and despite losing his balance near the boundary, he managed to toss the ball back into play to Shivam Dube, who completed the catch to dismiss Jacks.

"Axar Patel's catch to send Harry Brook back was incredible. He has the ability to change the game, and every opportunity to dismiss him must be seized, which Axar did. Covering 24 meters from his position, he maintained focus on the ball, balanced himself, and made the catch.

"This is remarkable. He also played a significant role in Will Jacks's dismissal. The Bethell-Jacks partnership was becoming dangerous, but Axar skillfully ran to his left, caught the ball, and threw it back to Shivam Dube," Gavaskar stated on JioHotstar.

Earlier in the match, Axar had set the tone by safely catching Phil Salt at cover when Hardik Pandya took the new ball, showcasing his reliability once again.

"This demonstrates excellent cricketing intelligence. At the elite level, temperament differentiates the greats from the good. With his batting and bowling skills, Axar is destined to be one of India's finest players. We had Ravindra Jadeja before him, and now Axar is effectively filling that gap. His bowling still requires some refinement, which will come with experience. Each year, his line, length, and speed improve. As vice-captain, he is considering the team's game as a whole, which is beneficial for his development," he added.

Jacob Bethell kept his team in contention deep into the innings, scoring a rapid century. Despite losing partners frequently, Bethell took the match to the final over but was unfortunately run out for 105 off just 48 balls, featuring eight fours and seven sixes.

"With this century in the T20 World Cup semifinal against a formidable team like India, Jacob Bethell proved he belongs at this level. His talent has been highly regarded, as evidenced during the Ashes series, where he also scored a century. Achieving a Test hundred in an Ashes series in Australia is remarkable, given the toughness of the opposition. That series highlighted his class.

"Now, at the Wankhede Stadium, his performance has been extraordinary. Although he has excelled in one-day matches while batting lower down the order, his promotion to number four in T20I cricket has made a significant difference. If early wickets fall, it allows him to play more overs. With his shot range, he made batting appear effortless. Unfortunately, despite his hundred, Bethell couldn't lead England to victory," Gavaskar concluded.