Axar Patel named Impact Player of Series in India's 3-0 T20I sweep of Afghanistan
Synopsis
Axar Patel didn't just collect a series award — he embodied India's quietly dominant approach to their 3-0 T20I whitewash of Afghanistan. A spell of 2 for 9 in the series finale, understated fielding, and selfless team-first attitude earned him the 'Impact Player of the Series' nod, even as the squad's eyes are already locked on Asian Games gold in Aichi-Nagoya.
Key Takeaways
Axar Patel was named 'Impact Player of the Series' after India's 3-0 T20I series win over Afghanistan at Arun Jaitley Stadium .
Axar took 4 wickets across three games, with a best spell of 2 for 9 in three overs in the series finale.
India won the final T20I by 127 runs .
Head physio Kamlesh Jain presented the award in the dressing room; the BCCI shared the ceremony on social media on 19 September 2026 .
Head coach Gautam Gambhir urged the squad to quickly refocus on the Asian Games T20 event in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan , where India are defending gold medallists .
Axar Patel, India's left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder, was awarded the 'Impact Player of the Series' honour after India clinched a comprehensive 3-0 T20I series victory over Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The medal was presented by head physio Kamlesh Jain in the dressing room, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sharing the ceremony on its social media accounts on Saturday, 19 September 2026.
Why Axar Won the Award
Axar delivered consistently tight spells across all three games, picking up four wickets in the series while keeping the pressure firmly on Afghanistan's batting line-up. His standout performance came in the final match — a spell of 2 for 9 in three overs — as India sealed that game by a dominant 127 runs. His all-round contribution extended beyond bowling; Jain specifically cited Axar's fielding discipline, whether inside the 30-yard circle or on the boundary.
What Jain Said
Presenting the award, Jain lauded Axar's understated but decisive influence. 'Guys, congratulations on the series win. With regards to the impact player for the series, someone who does his work silently behind the scenes and also during the game when he has to bowl those crucial overs in the power play, as well as towards the end of the power play,' Jain said. 'He comes in, silently does his job, whether it's in the fielding in 30 yards or on the boundary line, gives his 100 percent commitment. Someone who echoes the team's motto of putting the team over self, one and only, Axar Patel.'
Axar's Message to the Team
Accepting the honour, Axar turned his focus swiftly to the collective. 'We did pretty well in all three games. We implemented what we had discussed. Overall, as a team, I am very proud of this side and the past few series, the way it went, nothing can be changed,' he said. He urged the squad to carry the same winning momentum into their next assignment — the men's T20 cricket event at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. 'If we keep winning, the atmosphere will be automatic upwards. In the next Asian Games, we will do the same,' he added.
Gambhir's Parting Word Before Asian Games
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, who will not travel with the squad for the Asian Games, kept his address brief but pointed. 'Good luck to the guys for the Asian Games. I think one message is that the series is over and switch on for the Asian Games. Good luck,' Gambhir said. India head into the continental tournament as defending gold medal holders in the men's T20 event, adding extra weight to the transition from a home bilateral series to a multi-nation stage.
What's Next for India
With the Afghanistan series firmly in the books, the spotlight shifts to Aichi-Nagoya, where India will look to defend their Asian Games T20 gold. The mood in the camp, as reflected by both Axar and Gambhir, is one of quiet confidence — and a deliberate effort to reset quickly rather than linger on the 3-0 sweep.
Point of View
But the player who holds shape under pressure. His 2 for 9 in the final game — in a format designed for batting carnage — was the kind of bowling that doesn't always show up in highlight reels but shapes match outcomes. The swift pivot to Asian Games messaging, both from Axar and Gambhir, signals a well-managed transition mindset. India arrive in Aichi-Nagoya as gold medal defenders, and if the team culture on display in this dressing-room video is any indicator, the standard has not slipped.
NationPress
19 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Axar Patel named Impact Player of the Series against Afghanistan?
Axar Patel was awarded the honour for delivering consistently tight spells across all three T20Is, taking 4 wickets including a spell of 2 for 9 in three overs in the final game. His fielding discipline and team-first attitude were also specifically cited by head physio Kamlesh Jain when presenting the award.
What was the result of India's T20I series against Afghanistan in 2026?
India won the T20I series 3-0 against Afghanistan, with all three matches played at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The final game was won by 127 runs.
Who presented the Impact Player of the Series award to Axar Patel?
Head physio Kamlesh Jain presented the medal to Axar Patel in the dressing room. The BCCI shared a video of the ceremony on their social media accounts on 19 September 2026.
What is India's next assignment after the Afghanistan T20I series?
India's next assignment is the men's T20 cricket event at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. India are the defending gold medal holders in the event, and both Axar Patel and head coach Gautam Gambhir urged the squad to quickly refocus on that tournament.
Is Gautam Gambhir travelling with the team for the Asian Games?
No, head coach Gautam Gambhir will not accompany the squad to the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. He delivered a brief send-off message to the players in the dressing room, urging them to set the Afghanistan series aside and switch focus to the continental event.
