IPL 2020: 'Under the radar' Axar Patel fully appreciated by Delhi Capitals teammates, says Ravichandran Ashwin

Axar Patel, right, celebrates the wicket of Aaron Finch during the Delhi Capitals' win over Royal Challengers Bangalore. Ron Gaunt / Sportzpics for BCCI

Axar Patel is regarded as a hero within the Delhi Capitals side, even if his performances often go under the radar, according to Ravichandran Ashwin.

The left-arm spinner is the most economical bowler so far in the 2020 IPL, yet often goes about his work with barely a mention during the matches.

In four games so far, he has yet to go for more than 18 runs. He has conceded just three boundaries in the tournament to date, and no sixes.

Restored to the side against Royal Challengers Bangalore after missing their match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the weekend, he was straight back into his routine.

He took two for 18, including the wickets of Bangalore’s overseas batsmen Aaron Finch and Moeen Ali, and limited the scoring rate of Virat Kohli in the process.

Ashwin, his more celebrated spin-bowling partner, says Axar is full appreciated by his teammates.

“Sometimes what happens in T20 cricket is we blow up images, stats and numbers of bowlers who get the purple cap [for leading wicket-taker],” Ashwin said.

“Even likewise for the orange cap [for leading run-scrorer], sometimes I feel it is a little too overrated in a game like T20.

“It is somewhat like football where people are playing their roles. One such player is Axar.

“He always goes under the radar. He bowls those good overs that build the pressure up for someone else to capitalise with wickets.

“These are the heroes that are really appreciated inside the dressing room for Delhi Capitals. Ricky [Ponting, the coach] is very particular on that.

“We stick to the roles and when you feel appreciated, people want to hold on to their roles.”

Delhi beat Bangalore by 59 runs at the Dubai International Stadium to return to the top of the IPL table.

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