Axar Patel is an Indian bowling all-rounder from Anand, Gujarat. Born on 20 January 1994, he bats left-handed and bowls slow left-arm orthodox spin. On 15 October 2026, he is 32 and remains a Delhi Capitals player and captain, while representing India when selected.
Axar Patel at a glance
- Full name
- Axar Rajeshbhai Patel
- Date of birth
- 20 January 1994
- Age on 15 October 2026
- 32
- Birthplace
- Anand, Gujarat, India
- Role
- Bowling all-rounder
- Batting style
- Left-hand bat
- Bowling style
- Slow left-arm orthodox
- IPL debut
- 2014
- Domestic team
- Gujarat
- IPL team in 2026
- Delhi Capitals
- International team
- India
Profile checked 15 October 2026. Team and record details are dated in the article.
Early cricket and domestic pathway
Patel came through Gujarat cricket and made his first-class debut in the 2012–13 season. His Ranji Trophy progress became more significant in 2013, when he contributed 369 runs and 29 wickets for Gujarat. He also played a useful part in India Under-23s’ title-winning ACC Emerging Teams Cup campaign, taking seven wickets.
His value was clear even then: he was a left-arm spinner who could keep a tight line and add runs down the order. That combination moved him from domestic cricket into the IPL and then into India’s limited-overs plans.
India career and major milestones
Patel’s ODI debut came against Bangladesh in Mirpur on 15 June 2014. His T20I debut followed against Zimbabwe in Harare on 17 July 2015. He had to wait longer for a Test opportunity, debuting against England in Chennai on 13 February 2021.
The Test debut was immediate impact. Patel took five wickets in the second Test and followed it with an 11-wicket match haul in the third. He finished that home series with 27 wickets, establishing himself as a serious option in turning conditions rather than only a limited-overs specialist.
His batting developed into an increasingly useful part of his international game. In 2022, he struck a 27-ball ODI half-century against the West Indies to help India seal the series. At the 2024 T20 World Cup final, he made 47 from 31 balls after India were three wickets down, an innings built around controlled counterattack.
Patel then became a prominent middle-order option at the 2025 Champions Trophy. His promotion to No. 5 gave India a left-handed option in the middle order, alongside his economical bowling. India won the final against New Zealand, giving Patel another major ICC title to add to the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.
IPL journey
Mumbai Indians signed Patel ahead of the 2013 season, but he did not play for them. Kings XI Punjab bought him for ₹75 lakh at the 2014 auction, and he made an immediate mark with 17 wickets in his first IPL season. He stayed with the Punjab franchise through 2018, when it was still known as Kings XI Punjab.
Delhi Capitals bought Patel for ₹5 crore at the 2019 auction after a bidding contest with Punjab. He has remained with Delhi since then. His IPL profile includes a 2016 hat-trick against Gujarat Lions, completed through four wickets in five balls, and a steady role as a four-over spin option who can finish an innings with the bat.
Ahead of IPL 2025, Delhi made Patel its top retention at ₹16.50 crore. The official IPL retention announcement dated 15 November 2025 lists him among Delhi Capitals‘ retained players for IPL 2026. It confirms his place in the squad but does not itself publish an individual 2026 fee.
Career timeline
- 20 January 1994: Born in Anand, Gujarat.
- 2012–13: Made his first-class breakthrough for Gujarat.
- 2013: Helped India Under-23s win the ACC Emerging Teams Cup.
- 2013: Signed by Mumbai Indians but did not play an IPL match for them.
- 18 April 2014: Made his IPL debut for Kings XI Punjab against Chennai Super Kings.
- 15 June 2014: Made his ODI debut for India against Bangladesh in Mirpur.
- 17 July 2015: Made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in Harare.
- 2016: Took four wickets in five balls, including a hat-trick, for Kings XI Punjab against Gujarat Lions.
- 13 February 2021: Made his Test debut against England in Chennai and took five wickets.
- June 2024: Played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup campaign, including 47 in the final.
- March 2025: Helped India win the Champions Trophy final against New Zealand.
- 15 November 2025: Was listed among Delhi Capitals‘ retained players for IPL 2026.
Playing style
Patel’s main bowling strength is control. His slow left-arm orthodox action allows him to attack a batter’s scoring options, bowl in the powerplay when required and offer four overs without relying on high-risk variations. His Test record shows that the same accuracy can become a wicket-taking threat when the pitch offers turn.
With the bat, he is more than a tailender. He is a left-handed middle-order batter with a compact set of scoring shots, especially against spin. His 47 in the 2024 T20 World Cup final and his No. 5 role at the 2025 Champions Trophy show why India have trusted him to respond positively after early wickets. He also adds athletic fielding and tactical flexibility, which explains his importance to both India and Delhi Capitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Axar Patel on 15 October 2026?
Axar Patel is 32 years old on 15 October 2026. He was born on 20 January 1994.
What is Axar Patel‘s role?
He is a bowling all-rounder who bats left-handed and bowls slow left-arm orthodox spin.
Which IPL team does Axar Patel play for in 2026?
He plays for Delhi Capitals. The official IPL retention announcement lists him in Delhi’s 2026 squad.
When did Axar Patel make his India debut?
His ODI debut was against Bangladesh on 15 June 2014. He made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in July 2015 and his Test debut against England on 13 February 2021.
What was Axar Patel‘s biggest early Test milestone?
He took five wickets on Test debut against England and finished that 2021 home series with 27 wickets.
What did Axar Patel do in the 2024 T20 World Cup final?
He scored 47 from 31 balls after India lost three wickets early, helping India recover to a match-winning total.
