Axar Patel named Impact Player of the Series after Afghanistan sweep

India completed a 3-0 clean sweep of Afghanistan in the three-match T20 series. All-rounder Axar Patel was named Impact Player of the Series for his consistently good performances through the series. BCCI head physio Kamlesh Jain presented Axar with the medal, an honour seen as recognition of his performance across the series.

Axar took four wickets across the three-match series to maintain his dominance. In the final match of the series, he gave away just 9 runs in three overs and dismissed two Afghanistan batsmen. India won that match by a huge margin of 127 runs. BCCI shared a video on its social media account in which Kamlesh Jain congratulated the entire team on the series win. Speaking about the impact player, he said it is the player who quietly does his job both behind the scenes and on the field. Whether it is bowling a crucial over in the powerplay or bowling at the end of the powerplay, he is always ready. Whether it is fielding inside the 30-yard circle or taking a high catch near the boundary, he knows exactly what his job is and carries it out calmly. Jain said clearly that this player is none other than Axar Patel.

Axar grew a little emotional while accepting the honour. He said the team performed well in all three matches and delivered on the field exactly what had been planned beforehand. He said he is proud of the team. He also said the team would carry the same form forward into the Asia Cup to continue its winning run.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir is not with the team in person during the Asia Cup, but he said clearly that the Indian players should now put this series win behind them and focus on the upcoming Asia Cup matches, since India is the defending champion. Gambhir said his only message is that he wishes the entire Indian team well for the Asia Cup and that everyone should now focus on the new series.