Virat Kohli accused of stealing Axar Patel's credit in T20 World Cup Final 2024

Delhi Capitals’ young batting sensation Abishek Porel has made a bold statement on his captain and Indian all-rounder Axar Patel’s contribution to the Men in Blue’s triumphant ICC T20 World Cup 2024 campaign in the USA and Caribbean last year.

Axar Patel was one of the key architects in India’s T20 World Cup triumph after 17 years, but his most valuable contribution came in the title clash against South Africa in Barbados. When India was reeling at 34/3 in the final against South Africa, Axar walked in and made a significant impact.

Axar Patel's significant contribution to T20 World Cup 2024 final goes unnoticed

The Indian all-rounder played a crucial knock of 47 runs off 31 balls as well as stitched a vital 72-run partnership with Virat Kohli and brought India back into the contest. While Kohli's stunning knock of 76 runs off 59 balls stole the headlines, it was Axar who gave the innings momentum when it mattered most.

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Thanks to Kohli and Patel’s remarkable performance, India went on to post 176/7, which they eventually defended with nerves of steel, restricting South Africa to 169/8 in their 20 overs to win the 2024 T20 World Cup final by 7 runs in Barbados last year.

Abishek Porel says Virat Kohli overshadowed Axar Patel’s crucial knock in T20 WC Final

Reflecting back on Axar’s contribution to India’s T20 World Cup triumph after 17 years, Abishek Porel said that the Delhi Capitals captain didn’t get the applause for his match-turning knock that he truly deserved.

Porel believes that the unsung hero of that unforgettable night didn’t get enough spotlight because all eyes were on Virat Kohli despite delivering in the crucial moment.

Speaking on The Ranveer Show, Abishek Porel said, “He (Axar Patel) made runs at the crucial juncture. But his crucial knock didn't get enough praise from fans because of Virat Kohli's knock in the T20 World Cup final. Fans couldn’t see how he made a crucial contribution to India’s title triumph.”

Abhishek Porel Said " Axar Patel's Crucial Knock 47(31) In T20 WC Final 2024 Didn't Get enough praising from fans because of Virat Kohli's Knock 76(60) " pic.twitter.com/VKeZy5R9zx

— 𝙎𝙤𝙣𝙪 (@KLfied_) May 23, 2025

After the event, Axar revealed that he was not nervous at all, as he was already given the hint of getting promoted at any stage in the T20 World Cup 2024. The all-rounder had revealed that Hardik told him in Gujarati not to take any stress and just watch the ball and hit, and he did that.

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I wasn't nervous: Axar Patel opens up about his final heroics

Axar Patel had told ESPNcricinfo, “I wasn't nervous. Obviously, there was pressure on you, but at the time, I didn't understand how to react. I don't think when I went to bat, there was anything going on in my mind. I had gone with a see-ball-hit-ball mindset. I was not thinking about anything, not worrying about the consequences; there were no second thoughts in my mind.”

The DC skipper added, “I consistently communicated with Virat bhai, so I didn't feel that I had come in early and that I had to do something different. I kept talking with Virat bhai, and we communicated clearly about what we have to do.”

Notably, Axar made his captaincy debut in the IPL 2025, but he could not take the Delhi Capitals to the IPL 2025 playoffs. The DC had a perfect start, but then their campaign slipped off the track.

They are currently the fifth side with 13 points from 13 games in the tournament and will play their final game on May 24 against the Punjab Kings.