New Delhi, March 23 (NationPress) Throughout his cricketing journey, left-arm spin all-rounder Axar Patel primarily fulfilled the roles expected of him—bowling when required and batting during crucial moments to support his team. Transitioning from junior cricket to the Indian Premier League (IPL) and establishing himself as a prominent figure in the Indian white-ball squad, Axar exemplified the ideal cricketer who dedicated himself to hard work, believed in the process, and maintained focus.

This approach yielded impressive outcomes, including a remarkable start to his Test career, along with victories in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy. However, it was his elevation to the role of vice-captain for India’s T20I squad (which included the 2026 Men’s T20 World Cup triumph) and his subsequent leadership of the Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the IPL 2025 season that unveiled a new dimension to his game—one focused on maximizing the potential of his teammates and strategizing for victory.

"As a player, I always adhered to what the team required of me, fulfilling my designated role in both bowling and batting. This often led me to overlook my surroundings and concentrate solely on my performance. However, in a leadership position, I began to consider how to extract the best performance from each player and how they could contribute to winning the cup," Axar shared during a pre-season press conference with IANS.

This revelation is particularly noteworthy, given Axar’s cheerful demeanor, with head coach Hemang Badani even describing him as 'one of the coolest players' he has collaborated with. "I’ve become more engaged in determining player strategies, such as when to introduce them into the game," Axar noted.

“As a leader, I also make it a point to take the lead in tough situations, tackling challenges first so that it eases the burden on the rest of the team. Over the past 10-12 months, since I joined the leadership group, I’ve begun to embody this approach," he added.

This instinct will serve as the foundation of his captaincy as he heads into IPL 2026, with Delhi Capitals strengthened by the arrivals of David Miller, Ben Duckett, and Pathum Nissanka, forming what Axar believes is the most well-rounded squad the franchise has ever assembled.

A crucial aspect for any Indian player stepping into a T20 franchise leadership role is how they adapt insights gained from a national setup, which is often seen as the pinnacle of modern cricket culture. Axar’s response was insightful, emphasizing a desire to incorporate India’s adaptability and flexible playing style into the DC framework.

"Franchise cricket differs significantly from Indian cricket; in franchises, players come from various countries with diverse playing styles. In the Indian team, there’s a shared understanding of how we should play, which adds complexity," Axar explained.

“As captain, my aim is to instill a mindset of intent in our play. The winning mentality of the Indian team is characterized by its adaptability. In any situation or role, we must adjust quickly and flexibly," he stated.

Further elaborating, Axar mentioned, "In the Indian team, roles are predefined—like who opens the innings. In a franchise, players must adjust based on their team's needs, and everything must align accordingly. In the Indian setup, everything is more fixed. I want to promote a culture of flexibility, readiness for any role, and the ability to adapt our gameplay based on varying conditions."

If flexibility embodies Axar’s vision for DC, it also reflects in his decision-making—especially as he faces the growing data-driven demands of T20 leadership, choosing not to be bound by numbers. "It’s a complex matter. While I do consider data and match-ups, it ultimately hinges on the specific circumstances—conditions, pitches, and the players involved," he remarked.

“For instance, consider players like Nicholas Pooran; I evaluate how many finishers and similar batsmen exist globally and make assessments accordingly. I don’t completely disregard match-ups, but how and when to apply that knowledge is crucial," he added.

"Just like you wouldn’t use a sword to chop vegetables, cricket decisions on the field depend on instinct and situational awareness. If I feel a certain player can deliver in a given scenario, I trust my judgment," he explained.

In his second year as captain, Axar is determined to preserve the culture he has fostered, resisting the temptation for radical changes. "I’m in my second year as captain, and there won’t be drastic shifts. The existing culture within the team is vital. We aim to play our game with composure while maintaining an aggressive and fearless approach," he asserted.

The Delhi Capitals have yet to secure an IPL title, and in 2025, they narrowly missed the playoffs in a season that held great promise. This remains a persistent issue for the franchise, one that Axar consciously chooses not to revisit within the locker room. "As skipper, I never dwell on that topic. It's not something we discuss; we focus on our play and improvement," he said.

“Yes, a few games could have changed our fate. At season’s end, we reflect on our performance, but as a team, we don’t let past disappointments overshadow our mindset. We strive to maintain positivity, concentrating on how we wish to play and what we aim to work on, rather than what we could have done differently."

Axar’s entry into the DC squad followed his memorable catches during India’s 2026 T20 World Cup semifinal against England—an incredible catch to dismiss Harry Brook and a relay catch to eliminate Will Jacks. While these moments are etched in cricketing history, Axar acknowledged that their significance struck him only after the World Cup concluded.

"During that time, I wasn’t active on social media. While I reflected on those moments later, I didn’t fully grasp their impact at the time, as I was focused on my process. It wasn’t until I viewed the highlights that I recognized the challenge I faced and felt grateful for my success," he expressed.

"Catching a ball while running backward is inherently difficult, and I feel proud to have accomplished that. Hard work and dedication yield results, and I remain thankful for the opportunities that come my way."

As the DC gear up for their IPL 2026 opener against the Lucknow Super Giants on April 1, Axar steps onto the field as a captain who is poised to showcase his evolved leadership skills in pursuit of championship glory.

"I’m incredibly excited for the Delhi Capitals. One aspect that fuels my enthusiasm is that we addressed the mistakes from last season and resolved our opening and fast-bowling challenges with the right acquisitions during the auction. With a complete squad, everyone is eager to compete for the title. I’m thrilled to kick off this season with a team ready to play the style of cricket we desire. This new lineup brings immense excitement, and that motivates me further," he concluded.

"The enthusiasm among my players and the support staff is palpable, and that fuels my excitement as a captain. I want my players to give their all for the team, and that shared commitment is what makes me look forward to the season ahead."