Indian all-rounder Axar Patel recently shared the valuable advice he received from outgoing coach Rahul Dravid. Axar Patel mentioned that Rahul Dravid emphasised that winning the World Cup would create unforgettable memories in his career. Patel described Dravid as a true gentleman of the game.
The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, clinched the 2024 T20 World Cup trophy by defeating South Africa by seven runs in a thrilling final match at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29. The Indian players gave a priceless gift to Dravid in his last assignment as the head coach of the national cricket team.
The Men in Blue were in trouble at 34/3 in 4.3 overs after opting to bat first. However, Rahul Dravid made a strategic decision to promote Axar Patel up the order. The decision proved crucial for the Indian team as the left-handed batsman played a key role in stabilising the innings and helped India set a solid total.
The star all-rounder partnered Virat Kohli to rescue the team. He scored 47 off 31 balls, including four sixes and a four. The double helped the team reach a competitive 176/7 in 20 overs. However, Patel struggled with the ball and gave away 49 runs in four overs, including 24 runs in his last over to Heinrich Klaasen.
I’ve known him for a few days in India: Axar Patel
In an interview with Times Now, Axar Patel highlighted his long-standing relationship with Rahul Dravid since the India A days. Patel recalled Dravid’s advice on treasuring memorable moments. He emphasised Dravid’s advice that winning the World Cup is more important than individual achievements.
“I have known him since the India A days and spent a lot of time with him. When I was not playing for India for three years, he was always there for me in India A. He always told me one thing that will stay with me forever – it doesn’t matter how many matches or how many runs I have scored for India, what matters is the memory we create now,” Patel said.
“He told me that you will play well in a match but you won’t remember it after 5 or 10 years but winning the World Cup will be a memory you will never forget, be it a fielding medal or just remembering the time we spent together in Barbados, it will be special. He is a gentleman of the game, even Rohit Sharma has said that,” he added.
Rahul Dravid doesn’t mind loud noises – Axar Patel
Axar Patel said Rahul Dravid never criticised the team for the noise or music in the dressing room but adapted to it. Patel expressed his happiness at giving Dravid a well-deserved send-off and stressed that winning the World Cup was a fitting tribute.
“He didn’t mind loud noises or music in the locker room. He never told any of us that we were wrong, instead he changed. I’m very happy to be able to give him the send-off he deserved. I don’t think there can be a bigger emotion than winning the World Cup.”
The 30-year-old all-rounder scored 92 runs in five innings at an average of 23.00 and a strike rate of 139.39. He took nine wickets in eight matches at an economy rate of 7.86, with best bowling figures of 3/23.
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