Bipin Dani
It was a routine call from Axar Patel to his parents- (mother Preeti ben and the father Rajesh bhai) at the end of the day’s play on Saturday.
The tail-end batsman was unbeaten on 5 runs and the parents had wished him to add “more runs” to his overnight score. Both parents were disappointed when their bowling all-rounder son could not offer more support to Rishabh Pant but were overjoyed when Patel dismissed Joe Root.
“It was a prize wicket. Root is in great form and our son’t maiden wicket of the rival captain was an icing on the cake”, mother speaking exclusively over the telephone from Nadiad home, said.
“We have been watching the match on TV. We started getting the congratulatory messages as soon as Root was dismissed”.
Patel also took the wicket of Moeen Ali. “This is just the beginning of Axar’s Test career. He will have many more”, the mother adds.
Before going to Chennai for the Test match, he sought the blessings of Saint Maharaj. “Before going on any tour or on his return, he never forgets to visit the Santram Mandir”, the mother added.
The 27-year-old slow left-arm bowler is yet to tie knots. “He wants to concentrate on his game and cement his place in the Test team.
He is asking us to wait for 2-3 years more”, the mother added. Axar’s married sister, Shivani is settled in Canada.
