India’s T20 vice-captain, Axar Patel, understands the team is in the middle of a big transition but isn’t worried about proving a point to anyone. For him, the focus is clear—doing his job well and letting the selection process take its own course.

With the T20I series against England at home just a couple of days away, Axar spoke about the opportunity ahead. With Jasprit Bumrah recovering from injury and Hardik Pandya out of favour for leadership roles, Axar has been handed the responsibility to step up and contribute.

“Yes, the team is going through a transition phase, but ultimately, those decisions rest with the selectors and the captain,” stated Axar Patel during a press conference. “I don’t feel the need to prove anything to anyone. My focus is on executing the role assigned to me and working on my improvement. If I perform well, my spot in the team will naturally follow.”

Reflecting on his experience, he added, “I remind myself that I’ve played across all three formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20s. My priority is to make the most of the opportunities I get rather than stressing about proving myself or securing a place in the team. I don’t feel pressured by the thought of being deserving or not. It’s always about the team’s needs and whether there’s a spot available for me. I don’t waste time overthinking about whether I’ve made it to a squad or not. I avoid unnecessary pressure and focus on the team’s combination and whether there’s a spot available for me.”

"Selection, for me, is about focusing on where I can contribute rather than worrying about whether I deserve a spot in a particular squad," said Patel. “As a cricketer, you understand that only 15 players can make the squad, and no one’s place is ever guaranteed. It's all part of the journey.”

Axar Patel has firmly established himself in the T20I set-up over the past year. His standout performance came during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he played a pivotal role, including a crucial 47-run cameo off 31 balls in the final against South Africa.

While talking about India’s recent performances, Axar Patel refrained from addressing the controversies surrounding the Australia tour, including debates about the support staff, star culture, and senior players' roles. He chose to focus on his game instead.

“I wasn’t with the team for the last two and a half months, so I don’t have much knowledge about what happened in Australia,” Axar Patel explained. “However, the support staff has always maintained a consistent approach, offering inputs tailored to our bowling and batting roles.”