"A top-class team man" - Fans react to Axar Patel's fighting knock of 86 runs in Duleep Trophy
Axar Patel produced a brilliant fightback for India D in the Duleep Trophy match against India C in Anantapur on Day 1 (Thursday, September 5). The left-handed batter walked in when his team were reduced to 34/5 in the 11th over. Axar scored 86 runs off 118 balls, comprising six maximums and as many boundaries to help his team post 164 in their first innings.
Notably, Axar has gone from strength to strength in his batting. The southpaw had played a vital knock against South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, scoring 47 runs off 31 balls after India lost early wickets.
Axar has 2361 runs in 55 first-class innings apart from 192 wickets. He has represented India in 14 Tests, scoring 646 runs and bagging 55 wickets.
Fans on X lauded Axar Patel for helping India D put up a 150+ total in the Duleep Trophy match. One user wrote:
"TAKE A BOW, AXAR PATEL...!!! 86 (118) when India D were 48/6, the crisis man once again steps up and takes the responsibility. A top class team man."
Another user wrote:
"WELL PLAYED, AXAR PATEL....!!!! - An iconic knock in Duleep Trophy, India D were 48 for 6 & then Axar show started and scored a brilliant 86 runs - He has made a huge statement ahead of the Test season."
A third user added:
"TAKE A BOW, AXAR PATEL...!!!! At one point his Team was 76/8 and then he scored 86 runs from 118 balls including 6 fours and 6 sixes & taking his team total on 164 runs in Duleep Trophy - WHAT A KNOCK BY AXAR."
Here are a few more reactions on X:
Shreyas Iyer and Devdutt Padikkal fail to deliver, Axar Patel only positive
Axar Patel was the only bright spot as India D skipper Shreyas Iyer departed for nine runs off 16 balls. Devdutt Padikkal departed for a golden duck.
The duo fell prey to Vijaykumar Vyshak, who finished as the pick of India C bowlers, returning with figures of 3/19, while Anshul Kamboj and Himanshu Chauhan bagged two wickets apiece. Manav Suthar and Hrithik Shokeen also shared one each.
Follow Duleep Trophy live score and updates here.