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Axar Patel’s Historic Hat-Trick: “I Started to Celebrate the Hat-Trick and Then…”
In the world of cricket, few moments match the exhilaration of a bowler claiming a hat-trick — taking three wickets in three consecutive deliveries, an achievement that speaks volumes about a bowler’s skill, composure, and understanding of the game. For India’s Axar Patel, a versatile left-arm orthodox spinner, claiming a hat-trick was nothing short of a career-defining moment, but his reaction to it was an unforgettable one, filled with a mix of emotions and spontaneity.
In an exclusive interaction following the hat-trick, Axar Patel reflected on the surreal experience, sharing insights into what went through his mind when he became the latest Indian cricketer to achieve such an impressive feat. His story was as fascinating as the hat-trick itself — a journey from the bowler’s run-up to his emotional reaction, and a reflection on how a few seconds on the field can change the course of a game, a player’s career, and even their perception of their own abilities.
The Build-Up: Axar Patel’s Journey to the Hat-Trick
Before delving into Axar Patel’s memorable reaction, it is important to understand the context in which his hat-trick occurred. Axar Patel has always been a solid performer for India, particularly in limited-overs cricket. His reputation grew through his consistency, the ability to bowl in the middle overs, and his skills in applying pressure on the batsmen. He has been instrumental in India’s white-ball successes, providing both control and occasional breakthroughs in tight situations.
However, despite his effectiveness, a hat-trick was something Axar had never before achieved in international cricket. The moment finally came during one of the ODI matches in the 2025 series against Sri Lanka. After a series of accurate deliveries, tight overs, and maintaining pressure throughout, Axar was about to witness the culmination of all his hard work — the potential of a hat-trick.
In the 30th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, the game had reached a critical juncture. Sri Lanka’s batsmen were trying to build a partnership, but the Indian bowlers were tightening the screws. Axar Patel was called into the attack, and his spell of orthodox spin would go on to become a historic one. The batsmen he was bowling to were experienced, and despite the pressure, Axar managed to bowl a series of well-pitched deliveries.
The Hat-Trick Moment: Unbelievable, Yet Real
The moment came in the 35th over, with the ball turning sharply and catching the batsman off guard. Axar had already dismissed one of the top-order batsmen, and now, with Sri Lanka’s middle-order in a bit of disarray, the excitement in the air was palpable. As Axar delivered a ball that drifted slightly outside the off-stump, Sri Lanka’s top-order batter, Angelo Mathews, tried to cut the ball but only managed to edge it, with the ball flying straight into the hands of the short third man.
It was a wicket that came so quickly that Axar didn’t even realize what had just happened. But there was more to come.
On the very next ball, the tension was rising. The Sri Lankan batsmen, now under pressure, were unable to pick Axar’s line and length as he bowled his next delivery. This time, he bowled a perfect delivery, and the batter tried to play defensively but was caught in two minds. The ball turned sharply, and the batter was trapped in front, a loud appeal followed, and the umpire raised the finger. Two wickets in two balls.
The crowd was on the edge of their seats, with the energy building as Axar Patel could now sense a possibility of the rarest of achievements: a hat-trick. The ball that followed was delivered with the same precision and flight, and as Axar rolled his wrist over, the batsman was left with no chance. A beautiful ball, which drifted in and out, drew the batsman to play a shot, but his bat only met the ball in the wrong spot. The stumps were shattered — a hat-trick!
As the umpire raised his finger, the crowd erupted in celebration, and Axar’s teammates rushed toward him, but it was Axar’s own reaction that stood out.
“I Started to Celebrate the Hat-Trick and Then…” – Axar Patel’s Humble Response
In a candid conversation after the match, Axar Patel was asked about his emotions and reaction immediately after achieving the hat-trick. His response was simple but revealing:
“I started to celebrate the hat-trick and then… I realized I still had to get the ball back from the umpire! I was caught in the moment, and the crowd was roaring so loudly that I momentarily forgot what was happening.”
The joy and disbelief were apparent in Axar’s voice. Although he had just taken one of the rarest and most coveted achievements in cricket, his reaction reflected the humility and grounded nature of the bowler. What was equally significant in Axar’s words was his reflection on the enormity of what had just occurred — an emotional yet self-aware moment that highlighted the magnitude of the hat-trick without getting carried away by the spotlight.
“For a spinner like me, a hat-trick is something very special,” Axar continued, “I just wanted to focus on getting the ball right. It’s not something that happens every day, and when it does, you just feel immense satisfaction. But at the same time, I try not to get too carried away. It’s a team sport, and every wicket counts toward the team’s success.”
The Role of Teamwork: Axar’s Hat-Trick and Its Significance
Axar Patel’s hat-trick was not just a personal milestone, but it was a moment that showcased his commitment to the team’s success. As a bowler, a hat-trick is often the result of sustained pressure and the ability to bowl consistently in one area. Axar’s ability to maintain a disciplined line and length had ensured that the Sri Lankan batsmen never settled. His performance was built on the foundation of partnerships, not just with the ball, but with his fellow bowlers and fielders.
Axar’s hat-trick also signified the importance of building partnerships in cricket. The Indian team’s efforts in the field, whether it was the field placements, keeping pressure on the batsmen, or backing up Axar’s efforts with their own tight bowling, contributed to the moment of brilliance. When a spinner like Axar gets wickets in such quick succession, it’s often the result of the efforts of all the bowlers who set the stage for the breakthrough.
“Everyone in the team helped me in my journey,” Axar added. “The fielders, the other bowlers — their support makes a huge difference. A bowler’s success depends a lot on how well the team backs up, and I’m just thankful that I was able to contribute in such a big way.”
A Humble Approach to a Historic Achievement
Axar Patel’s hat-trick became an important moment in his career, and while he was rightly proud of the achievement, his humble approach to it also stood out. Cricket is a sport that constantly tests athletes’ mental fortitude, and Axar’s journey, especially after having come into the national fold and worked his way through the ranks, was a testament to his growth as a cricketer.
Though the hat-trick will be remembered as one of the standout moments of his career, Axar was careful not to let it define him. Instead, he focused on maintaining his consistency, honing his skills, and continuously improving.
“It’s a proud moment, but there’s always room for improvement,” he said. “I’m just focused on helping the team win. Personal milestones are great, but cricket is about winning as a team, and that’s what motivates me every day.”
The Legacy of Axar Patel’s Hat-Trick
Axar Patel’s hat-trick not only bolstered his reputation but also served as a reminder of the never-give-up attitude that defines cricket. For any bowler, taking three wickets in as many deliveries is an extraordinary achievement — one that Axar will cherish for years to come.
In the grand scheme of things, it’s these moments of brilliance that add to the legacy of a cricketer. Axar’s hat-trick served as a reminder that, in cricket, one ball can change everything, and in Axar’s case, a series of perfectly delivered balls left an indelible mark on his career.
