Spin-bowling allrounder Axar Patel has entered rare company after being named in India’s playing XI for the fourth T20I against England at the County Ground in Bristol on Thursday, July 9. With this appearance, Axar became only the fifth India cricketer to feature in 100 T20Is.
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The exclusive list includes Rohit Sharma (159 matches), Hardik Pandya (138 matches), Virat Kohli (125 matches), and Suryakumar Yadav (113 matches). Rohit and Kohli have since retired from the format, bowing out on a high after guiding India to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 title in the USA and the Caribbean.
Axar, now 32, made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe at Harare on July 17, 2015. Over the years, he has carved out a reputation as a dependable allrounder, scoring 747 runs at a strike rate of 131.10 with a best of 52, while also claiming 101 wickets at an average of 21.86 and an economy of 7.44.
Leadership shift: Axar loses vice-captaincy
Earlier this year, Axar was part of India’s leadership group as vice-captain during their triumphant T20 World Cup campaign. His role was seen as pivotal, both on and off the field, in shaping the team’s success.
However, his fortunes took a turn after a disappointing IPL 2026 season with Delhi Capitals, where he failed to guide the side into the playoffs. That setback appears to have influenced the selectors’ decision. The All India Senior Men’s Selection Committee has now handed the vice-captaincy to Tilak Varma, who is serving as deputy to newly appointed captain Shreyas Iyer.
