Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 19: Left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Axar Patel was named the 'Impact Player of the Series' following India's 3-0 T20I series triumph over Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Head physiotherapist Kamlesh Jain presented Axar with the medal in the dressing room.
Axar played a key role throughout the series, delivering economical spells and maintaining pressure on the Afghanistan batters while claiming four wickets in three matches.
His best performance came in the third T20I, where he returned figures of 2-9 in three overs as India secured a 127-run victory.
While presenting the award, Jain praised Axar's contribution both on and off the field.
“Guys, congratulations on the series win. With regards to the impact player for the series, someone who does his work silently behind the scenes and also during the game when he has to bowl those crucial overs in the power play, as well as towards the end of the power play,” Jain said in a video shared by the BCCI on social media on Saturday.
“He comes in, silently does his job, whether it's in the fielding in 30 yards or on the boundary line, gives his 100 percent commitment. Someone who echoes the team's motto of putting the team over self, one and only, Axar Patel,” he added.
Accepting the honour, Axar credited the entire team for its performance across the three matches and urged the players to carry the same momentum into their next assignment — the men's T20 event at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
“We did pretty well in all three games. We implemented what we had discussed. Overall, as a team, I am very proud of this side and the past few series, the way it went, nothing can be changed. If we keep winning, the atmosphere will be automatic upwards,” Axar said.
“If we keep winning, we will move forward as a unit. In the next Asian Games, we will do the same. If we keep the atmosphere and environment as it is, I think we can do better. So keep it up and good luck,” he added.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir, who will not travel with the team for the Asian Games, kept his message brief and urged the players to put the Afghanistan series behind them and immediately shift their focus to the continental event.
India are the defending gold medallists in men's T20 cricket at the Asian Games.
“Good luck to the guys for the Asian Games. I think one message is that the series is over and switch on for the Asian Games. Good luck,” Gambhir said.