"He has always said..." - Axar Patel reveals how Rahul Dravid's advice changed his career
Published - 14 Jul 2024, 02:17 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:15 AM
Indian all-rounder Axar Patel recently shared the valuable advice he received from outgoing head coach Rahul Dravid. Axar Patel mentioned that Rahul Dravid emphasized 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 T20 World Cup 2024 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 final assignment as head coach of the national cricket team.
The Men in Blue were struggling 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 batter played a key role in stabilizing the innings and helping India set a strong total.
The star all-rounder partnered with Virat Kohli to rescue the team. He scored 47 off 31 balls, including four sixes and one four. The dup helped the team reach a competitive 176/7 in 20 overs. However, Patel struggled with the ball, giving away 49 runs in four overs, including 24 runs in his last over to Heinrich Klaasen.
Known Him Since India A Days - Axar Patel
In an interview with Times Now, Axar Patel highlighted his long association with Rahul Dravid since the India A days. Patel recalled Dravid’s advice about cherishing memorable moments. He emphasized Dravid's advice that winning the World Cup is more significant than individual achievements.
“I have known him since India A days and spent a lot of time with him. When I wasn’t playing for India for 3 years he was constantly there for me through India A. He has always said one thing that will stay with me forever and it is - It doesn’t matter how many matches or how many runs I scored for India, what matters is the memory we create now," Patel said.
He told me that you will play well in one match but you won’t recall it after 5 or 10 years but winning the World Cup will be a memory you will never forget - whether it’s a fielding medal or simply just recalling the time we spent together in Barbados - will be special. He’s a gentleman of the game, even Rohit Sharma has said it,” he added.
Rahul Dravid Wouldn't Mind The Loud Noises - Axar Patel
Axar Patel stated that Rahul Dravid never criticized the team for noise or music in the dressing room but adapted himself instead. Patel expressed happiness at giving Dravid a deserving farewell, highlighting that winning the World Cup was a fitting tribute.
"He wouldn’t mind the loud noises or music in the dressing room. He never told any of us that we were wrong, instead he changed himself. Very happy we could give him the farewell he deserved - don’t think there can be a bigger high 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 the best bowling figures of 3/23.
