"Cracking the Code: Axar Patel’s Mastermind Calculation to Help Virat Kohli Reach His 51st ODI Century Against Pakistan"
As the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy showdown between India and Pakistan unfolded, all eyes were on Virat Kohli, who was perilously close to netting his 51st ODI century. But, little did the cricketing world know that Axar Patel, the enigmatic all-rounder, was silently working on a masterplan to help his captain reach that coveted milestone. In this fascinating article, we’ll delve into the fascinating story of how Axar Patel helped Virat Kohli achieve this remarkable feat.
"I Was Also Doing Some Maths for Virat’s Hundred" – Axar Patel Reveals His Calculation
In a captivating interview with ICC, Axar Patel shared the thrilling tale of how he, along with his team, engineered a masterplan to get Kohli his 51st ODI century. "I think it’s the first time that I got the opportunity to watch a high-pressure game live from the dressing room, where Virat bhai has scored a century. I had a lot of fun, and the way he was running between the wickets after fielding for 50 overs, I think it’s great how he has maintained that level of fitness, and it was very fun to watch," Axar shared. He further revealed that, "I was also doing some maths for his hundred towards the end. I was worried that I don’t edge the ball or do something like that. So, it was quite fun."
The Math Behind Axar’s Mastermind Plan: A Deliberate Approach
Axar’s plan was a deliberate, calculated effort to set up Kohli for success. He revealed that when he came out to bowl in the powerplay, he deliberately took a single, anticipating that Kohli would take a lot of singles. This allowed him to get into the right position to make a direct hit, which later proved fruitful, as he dismissed Imam-ul-Haq for 10 off 26 balls. Axar attributed his success to his pre-game visualization, saying, "One ball before that, I was visualising that maybe he will take a single like this and I will do a direct hit. So, I was behind earlier; after that, I started a little and when the same moment happened, the direct hit happened. After that, I said, ‘It was good that I visualised a little one ball earlier’."
The Breakthrough: Axar’s Wily Tactics Unleash Kohli’s Frenzy
Axar’s wily tactics paid off as he then dismissed Pakistan’s captain, Mohammad Rizwan, for 46. He revealed how he achieved this breakthrough, saying, "One ball before that, a catch of him was missed off Hardik’s bowling. When I saw it, Hardik was very angry. Then, when I came to bowl, I didn’t feel that he would charge out against me on the ball first. So, I put the ball slow and I think at that pace he thought that I will hit on the length, but I put that ball slow because he was playing a single-double rotation game, so I wanted to vary the pace."
Conclusion: The Chemistry and Calculation that Delivered the Decisive Blow
In the end, Axar’s calculation and tactics proved crucial in helping Kohli reach his 51st ODI century. As India won the match, the all-rounder revealed that he was "very lucky" to be involved in both the breakthroughs, acknowledging that he was the only one on the field who was involved in the run-out and in catches too. "I think now, we have a six-day break; we might have qualified (for the semi-finals). So, I think now, out of the six days, one day I will get that chance to have dinner from him," he added, hinting at captain Rohit Sharma’s promise of dinner if he doesn’t take a hat-trick against Bangladesh.
In this exciting tale of calculation and strategy, Axar Patel’s mastermind plan foiled Pakistan’s plans, paving the way for Kohli’s century and India’s victory. As we indulge in the thrilling world of cricket, let’s not forget the unsung heroes like Axar Patel, who, behind the scenes, are crafting the magic that propels their teams to glory.
