Axar Patel takes aim at Gautam Gambhir for controversial snub vs SA in T20 World Cup 2026

Axar Patel is excited for the final: India will face New Zealand in the showdown of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The Men in Blue are on the cusp of creating history, as they would become the first team not only to defend the trophy but also to win the trophy for the first time at home conditions.

Ahead of the important clash, team India vice-captain Axar Patel has shared his insights on playing in the final and playing the most important game in front of his home crowd. Axar Patel has been playing his domestic games in Ahmedabad. He also went back to 2023, when he failed to play in the ODI World Cup, when India lost to Australia at the very venue.

I thought I would play- Axar Patel

In an uploaded video by ICC Hindi Instagram channel, Axar said, “Yeah, obviously, I think I've been waiting for this moment for years. I got injured in 2023. After that, I thought I would play on the home ground, but unfortunately, I couldn't.”

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“Yes, this is what happens. You want to play a big match on your home ground. So this is a very proud moment for me and an exciting moment that you will play such an important match in front of your family and your home crowd.”

Axar Patel concluded, saying, “I am very excited. I feel that we are playing very well as a team and we will carry this momentum forward. This is our last match. So I am excited, but yes, we will play with emotion.”

Axar Patel steps up when India needs

Axar Patel was excellent in the semi-final against England. Though Axar had nothing much to do with the bat, he bowled decently, and the Southpaw was electrifying in the field, taking one absolute amazing catch to dismiss Harry Brook.

Then again made a tough catch look easy for Will Jacks as he took the catch while running and handed it over to Shivam Dube before sliding down over the boundary. Those two moments were the game-changing moments in the match, and India won by 7 runs to qualify for the final.

Axar Patel was excellent in the final of the 2024 T20 World Cup. He played an innings of 47 off 31 balls when India were struggling at 35/3 at one stage. He would look to do something similar on the most important day of the tournament.

India is yet to play their best game

In this tournament, Axar missed just one game against South Africa, which the Proteas won. This shows his impact on the team and the balance he brings inside the team as he can bat up the order and also smash sixes whenever required. Today, the 32-year-old once again needs to step up big for the nation.

Suryakumar Yadav’s side have not had their best of the game in this T20 World Cup and have outperformed their opponents. The India National Cricket Team would want to put out their best game against the Kiwis and win their third T20 World Cup trophy.

Also Read: IND vs NZ Final Preview: Free Live Streaming, Pitch & Weather Report, Head-to-Head, Playing XIs | T20 World Cup 2026