Axar Patel breaks his silence on being ruled out of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

All-rounder Axar Patel picked up 3 wickets against Australia in the fourth T20I at Raipur.

All-rounder Axar Patel bowled a magical spell to provide India with a series win over Australia in Raipur. Axar’s 3/16 didn’t allow Australia to settle down in their chase of 174 runs in the 4th T20I game played at Captain Roop Singh Stadium in Raipur. The Australian middle order struggled to connect properly against the left-armer who bowled 13 dot balls in his spell of 4 overs. India won the 4th T20I by 20 runs and go 3-1 up in the ongoing five-match T20I series with just one more left to play. 

The 29-year old all-rounder was part of the Asia Cup 2023 squad and his name was set to be included in the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 15-member squad. Injury before the final of Asia Cup 2023 ruled him out of the title clash and also the World Cup. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was added as his replacement for the major tournament. Axar has now revealed his thoughts after missing the mega event last month and said that he was disappointed. 

Axar Patel opens up about World Cup exclusion

Axar Patel said that he didn’t feel good for the first few days when the tournament started. He said, “Obviously, you are bound to be (disappointed). The World Cup was in India, but that injury happened. For the first few days, I was thinking about it, not being able to play due to injury. But, the team was doing well, so after 5-10 days, I was back to training and was doing my rehab.” Axar Patel played in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy which was played alongside the World Cup 2023. 

Axar Patel also expressed that he was disappointed after missing the tournament. He added, “Yes, when you are out due to injury and those 5-10 days you are not able to do anything, you do feel a bit bad. After that, I returned to routine life. I was upset, but it happened due to an injury; it’s not in anyone’s hands. It’s part and parcel of the game.” Axar Patel was seen as a possible member of the Indian playing XI along with Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. 

Ravichandran Ashwin played only one game in the tournament against Australia at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. India qualified for the finals of the tournament but failed to lift the championship. Axar Patel marked a wonderful return to international cricket and so far he has picked up 5 wickets in the 4 T20I games of the ongoing series. Patel has scored only 2 runs in two innings. India will play the final T20I game at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. 

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