'Told Her I Won’t be Using Phone to Focus Harder on Cricket': Axar Patel Grateful For Wife's Support

India allrounder Axar Patel is basking in the glory of the team’s triumph at the 2024 T20 World Cup. He was crucial to the team winning its first ICC title in 11 years playing an enterprising knock against South Africa in the final when the team was struggling after having lost three early wickets.

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The team was given quite a reception upon returning from Barbados including an open bus parade which drew massive crowd on the streets of Mumbai followed by a felicitation ceremony at a packed Wankhede Stadium.

Axar is chuffed to bits at having won a world cup which has helped him get over the heartbreak of missing out on a spot in India’s ODI World Cup squad due to an injury last year.

“While I was heartbroken when I was injured just before the ODI World Cup in 2023, I have dealt with injuries before and that experience helped. It was a tough phase, but I focused on my training and rehab. I wanted to be 100 per cent ready when the opportunity presented itself and I always wanted to win an ICC trophy for the country,” Axar was quoted as saying by The Times of India.

Axar was given a surprise by his wife Meha upon returning to home as she prepared a rangoli featuring a picture of the India allrounder kissing the world cup trophy.

“It’s not like Meha makes rangolis daily. So, I had no clue about this surprise. She had just told me that she was busy preparing something for an activity. It took her two days to complete that rangoli. It was a priceless gift because it captured one of the most special moments of my life and was made by the love of my life,” Axar said.

The 30-year-old is grateful for the support Meha has given him throughout his cricket journey.

“It’s these little things that matter the most in a relationship. After your parents, your life partner’s support matters the most and Meha has played a huge role in my success. There have been times when I have told her that I won’t be using the phone for a certain period as I wanted to focus harder on cricket, and she understood. She has always supported whatever was required to ensure I became a better cricketer. I am grateful to have a life partner like her,” he said.

Axar will next be in action during the Sri Lanka tour where he’s part of both the India T20I and ODI squads.