Axar Patel's Fielding Transformation

Axar Patel, the Gujarat all-rounder, has undergone a significant transformation in his fielding skills over the years. From being criticized by MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli for his fielding during a match against Australia in 2017, Axar has now become one of the safest fielders in the world.

In the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final against England, Axar pulled off several stunning catches, including a relay catch with Shivam Dube at the deep point boundary to dismiss Will Jacks. His fielding was praised by many experts, who termed it as a bigger determinant of India's seven-run win than Jasprit Bumrah's spell.

Axar's transformation is attributed to his intense fielding sessions, self-motivation, and the guidance of his coaches. Former India fielding coach R Sridhar hailed Axar as someone who constantly pushes past his limits, maintaining curiosity and a learner's mentality.

The Role of Fitness and Training

Axar's fitness and training played a crucial role in his fielding transformation. Former Team India Strength and Conditioning coach Soham Desai worked with Axar from 2018 to improve his fitness and reduce his injury rate.

'We identified certain movements in the gym or muscle groups which can cause injuries, prempting that and working towards building resilience and robustness,' said Desai.

Axar's injuries reduced drastically from 70-80% to 5-10%, enabling him to perform at his best.