Felt the ball was chasing me, says Axar

Even during peak traffic hours along the banks of the Sabarmati, it rarely takes more than 90 minutes to travel the 60-odd kilometres between Nadiad and the Narendra Modi Stadium. This weekend, however, the small town is expected to see far more journeys to Ahmedabad — many hoping their favourite Nadiadi might help them secure a ticket to Sunday’s (March 8, 2026) Men’s T20 World Cup final and to wish him luck.

For Axar Patel, the occasion promises to be special for more than one reason. The allrounder will get a chance to play in front of his home crowd for the first time in this tournament after being left out of India’s two earlier matches in Ahmedabad.

“I have been desperately waiting for so long to play a big match at the home ground in front of the family,” Axar said after playing a key role in India’s semifinal win against England at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

“It’s a proud moment for me to play the World Cup final at my home ground. And it’ll also be the first time my son will watch me in action from the stadium, so that also matters a lot.”

Axar’s athleticism in the field proved crucial during England’s chase. His sprinting-backward-running catch to dismiss Harry Brook gave India early momentum, while a relay effort with Shivam Dube removed the dangerous Will Jacks after a blistering partnership with centurion Jacob Bethell.

Charging in from sweeper-cover, Axar completed the catch and lobbed the ball to Dube just before crossing the boundary rope — a moment that swung the match back India’s way.

“Today was kind of a day when the ball was chasing me,” Axar said.

“Harry Brook’s was personally tougher but if you look at the game situation and the manner in which the partnership had developed, to dismiss Jacks was critical, so it was special in that sense. It’s very difficult for me to choose but if you ask me personally, the Brook catch was tougher.”