Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin recently shared his high regard for two pivotal Indian cricketers, Axar Patel and Ishan Kishan, acknowledging their crucial contributions and unique attributes within the team.
Axar Patel: The Wise and Reliable Pillar
Ashwin characterized all-rounder Axar Patel as a figure of wisdom and unwavering composure, likening him to “that senior person in our relatives who is wise, whom we can always go to.” He emphasized Patel’s consistent performance under pressure, highlighting his significant role in the recent ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Patel’s impressive spell of 3/27 in the final against New Zealand, which helped restrict them to 159 after India posted a mammoth 255/5, showcased his impactful bowling. Furthermore, his two vital catches to dismiss Harry Brook and Will Jacks in the semi-final clash with England were instrumental in securing India’s narrow seven-run victory.
Ashwin admired Patel’s ability to remain untroubled and smiling, regardless of his role or game time, noting, “He was the vice-captain and out of the team. He came back and you could not see anything. Many times, he does not get to bat or complete his overs. But where he has to come and do his job, he always does it.” Ashwin concluded that in the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, Axar is undoubtedly “your blue-chip stock.”
Ishan Kishan: A Story of Respect and Resilience
Transitioning to wicketkeeper-batsman Ishan Kishan, Ashwin lauded his remarkable resilience and respectful approach to his career. He recounted Kishan’s journey of overcoming mental challenges and being dropped from the national squad, subsequently rediscovering his form through dedicated participation in domestic cricket. “The story of Ishan Kishan is a story of respect. Respecting small things in life that helped you come back. Domestic cricket,” Ashwin remarked.
Ashwin praised Kishan’s “team-front” attitude upon his return, noting his selflessness rather than focusing solely on personal scores. “After coming to the team, he kept the team front. It was easy for him to say I am back, let me make some scores. That is one attitude you have to like with him,” Ashwin added. Kishan’s explosive 54 off 25 balls in the T20 World Cup final on March 8 was cited as a prime example of his impactful contributions, setting a robust platform for India’s formidable total of 255.
