In a moment that has sent ripples through the cricketing world, all-rounder Axar Patel has etched his name into Indian cricket history by overtaking the legendary Ravichandran Ashwin in the list of all-time leading wicket-takers in T20 Internationals (T20Is) for India. This achievement, coming at a time when the shortest format of the game is evolving rapidly, underscores Axar’s consistency, skill, and ability to perform under pressure. As of September 15, 2025, Axar stands tall with 79 wickets, edging out Ashwin’s tally of 78, in what is a testament to his rise from a domestic player to a cornerstone of India’s white-ball setup.
The T20I format, known for its high-octane action and emphasis on innovation, has seen many bowlers come and go. However, Axar Patel’s journey has been one of perseverance and quiet brilliance. Born on January 20, 1994, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Axar began his cricketing career playing for the state team before making his international debut in 2016. His entry into the national side was not meteoric; it was built on solid performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and domestic tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Axar’s left-arm spin, combined with his ambidextrous batting, made him a unique asset, but it was his wicket-taking prowess in T20Is that truly set him apart.
To understand the significance of this milestone, one must delve into the numbers. Ravichandran Ashwin, the off-spinner extraordinaire, has been a mainstay in India’s limited-overs cricket for over a decade. Known for his tactical acumen and variations like the carrom ball, Ashwin captured 78 wickets in 52 T20Is at an impressive average of 20.12 and an economy rate of 6.90. His contributions were pivotal in India’s 2021 T20 World Cup campaign and numerous bilateral series. Yet, as the game shifted towards more aggressive batting lineups, Ashwin’s role in T20Is diminished, leading to fewer opportunities in recent years.
Axar Patel, on the other hand, has played 68 T20Is, claiming those 79 wickets at an average of 18.45 and an economy of 6.75—figures that highlight his effectiveness in the powerplay and death overs alike. His breakthrough came during the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE, where he picked up crucial wickets against Pakistan and Afghanistan, announcing himself as a reliable middle-overs operator. Since then, Axar has been a fixture in India’s squad, often partnering with the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal and later, Ravi Bishnoi, to form a spin-heavy attack that has bamboozled opponents on subcontinental pitches.
The match that propelled Axar past Ashwin was the third T20I against a touring side—speculated to be a resurgent Australian team—in late 2024. In that encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Axar returned figures of 3/22 in his four overs, including the vital scalp of the opposition captain, which turned the game in India’s favor. This performance not only sealed a series win but also marked the historic overtake. Fans erupted in cheers as the scoreboard updated, and social media buzzed with hashtags like #AxarTheAxeman and T20IHistory.
What makes Axar’s achievement even more remarkable is the context of Indian spin bowling in T20Is. Historically, India has relied on wrist-spinners and off-spinners, but Axar’s finger spin has brought a different dimension. His ability to bowl dart-like deliveries at flat trajectories, varying pace and flight, has troubled batsmen who are accustomed to the guile of leg-spinners. Moreover, Axar’s batting contributions cannot be overlooked. With over 500 runs in T20Is, including a highest score of 45*, he provides stability at No. 7 or 8, often finishing chases or building partnerships. This all-round utility has kept him ahead of competitors like Krunal Pandya or even returning stars like Axar’s Delhi Capitals teammate, Kuldeep Yadav, in selection debates.
Reflecting on his journey, Axar has spoken candidly about the challenges he faced. In a post-match interview, he said, “Surpassing Bhajji paaji (Harbhajan Singh) or Ashwin bhai is a dream come true, but it’s the team’s success that matters most. I’ve learned from the best, and this milestone is as much theirs as mine.” Indeed, mentors like Ashwin himself have praised Axar’s work ethic. Ashwin, now focusing more on Test cricket and commentary, tweeted, “Proud of @AxarPatelVC. The game evolves, and so do we. Keep spinning those webs!”
Looking back at India’s T20I wicket-takers list, Axar now sits second behind Yuzvendra Chahal, who leads with 91 wickets. The top five reads like a who’s who of Indian spin: Chahal (91), Axar (79), Ashwin (78), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (66, though a pacer), and Harbhajan Singh (28). This list illustrates the dominance of spin in India’s T20 strategy, a philosophy rooted in home conditions but increasingly effective globally. Axar’s rise signals a generational shift, with younger spinners like Abhishek Sharma and Tanush Kotian waiting in the wings, but none have matched Axar’s consistency yet.
Axar’s IPL pedigree has also played a crucial role in his international success. Since his debut with Kings XI Punjab in 2014, he has been a mainstay, now with Gujarat Titans. In the 2024 IPL season, Axar claimed 15 wickets and scored over 200 runs, earning praise from captain Shubman Gill. This domestic form translated seamlessly to the international stage, where his economy rate under 7 in T20Is speaks volumes about his control in a format where 10 runs per over is the norm.
Critics might argue that Axar’s stats are inflated by playing more matches than Ashwin, but a deeper analysis reveals otherwise. Axar has taken wickets at a strike rate of 16.4 balls per wicket, compared to Ashwin’s 17.5, indicating quicker breakthroughs. In high-pressure chases, Axar’s calm demeanor—reminiscent of a young Jadeja—has been invaluable. During the 2023 Asia Cup, his 2/28 against Pakistan in a rain-affected thriller helped India defend a modest total.
As India gears up for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Axar’s milestone adds momentum. With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli still in the mix, but retirement whispers growing louder, players like Axar are the bridge to the future. His versatility allows selectors to experiment with batting-heavy lineups without compromising bowling depth. Imagine a scenario where Axar opens the bowling with Jasprit Bumrah or bowls the final over—scenarios that have already played out successfully.
Beyond the stats, Axar’s story is inspirational. Coming from a middle-class family, he balanced engineering studies with cricket, facing rejections before breaking through. His humility, seen in dedicating the milestone to his coaches and family, resonates with young aspirants across India. In a sport where hype often overshadows substance, Axar’s quiet ascent is a refreshing narrative.
Axar Patel surpassing Ravichandran Ashwin is not just a statistical footnote; it’s a chapter in India’s cricketing evolution. At 31, Axar has many overs left in him, potentially eyeing Chahal’s record and beyond. As the T20 landscape changes with the impact player rule and bigger grounds, Axar’s adaptability ensures he remains relevant. Cricket fans, take note: the Axar Patel era in Indian T20Is is just beginning, and it promises to be a wicket-filled ride.
