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India's dependable all-rounder Axar Patel is all set to add another glittering feather to his cap when he walks out for the fourth T20I against England, his 100th appearance in the shortest format. He becomes the 31st Indian cricketer to reach this elite milestone, and the achievement feels extra special because it comes just two matches after he picked up his 100th T20I wicket. For a player who started his journey back in 2015, this moment is nothing short of surreal. In a heartfelt video shared by the BCCI, Axar opened up about his emotions, admitting that he never saw this coming when he first donned the blue jersey. "When I played my first T20I, I never imagined I would play 100 matches. This England tour has been very special for me because I completed my 100 T20I wickets in the second match, and now I will play my 100th T20I in the fourth game.

It's a very special moment, and I am really enjoying it," he said with a smile that reflected years of hard work and dedication. A Journey Built on Teamwork: True to his humble nature, Axar was quick to share the credit. He acknowledged that no milestone is achieved alone and expressed gratitude to everyone who stood by him through the ups and downs. "It feels really good. Whenever you achieve a milestone, it's never just about you.

My teammates, coaches, and family have all played a role in this journey," he added. The left-arm spinner also took a trip down memory lane, recalling the nerves and excitement of his debut. He emphasised that even playing a single match for India is a dream for any cricketer and reaching 100 matches is something he still struggles to put into words. "When you make your debut, it's a completely different feeling. At that time, you don't know how much you'll achieve in your career. Now, I am about to play my 100th match, and it's a feeling that can't really be expressed. Even playing one match for India is a dream come true," Axar reflected.

Numbers That Speak Volumes: Axar's T20I career stats tell the story of a cricketer who has quietly but consistently delivered. In 99 matches so far, he has scored 746 runs at an average of 17.34 and picked up 101 wickets at an impressive average of 21.86, with best figures of 3/9. Add 38 catches to that tally, and you have a player who contributes in all three departments: batting, bowling, and fielding. At 31, Axar has already been a crucial part of India's white-ball success, playing key roles in the T20 World Cup triumphs of 2024 and 2026. His ability to bowl in the powerplay, stifle runs in the middle overs, and chip in with handy runs down the order has made him indispensable. What This Milestone Means For Axar: This 100th match isn't just a number; it's a testament to years of perseverance, adaptability, and quiet excellence. From being a promising youngster from Gujarat to becoming one of India's most trusted T20 warhorses, his journey has been nothing short of inspiring. As he gears up for this landmark game, fans and teammates alike will hope he celebrates it with another match-winning performance because that's exactly what Axar Patel has done throughout his career: deliver when it matters most.