In the Indian dressing room, English often dominates team briefings, media sessions, and international tours. Yet one man has always stayed true to his roots — Axar Patel. More than 11 years into his international career, the Gujarati all-rounder still prefers to express himself in Hindi, and he sees no reason to apologise for it.
For Axar, the language a cricketer speaks has nothing to do with his ability to lead. Ahead of India’s first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, the 31-year-old spoke to The Indian Express, challenging a stereotype that has long existed in Indian cricket — that captains must be fluent in English.
“There’s been this misconception for years,” he said. “People think only fluent English speakers with a certain kind of personality can be captains. But leadership comes from clear thinking and effective planning, not from how stylishly you talk.”
Axar, who has represented India in 168 international matches, believes a true captain is one who understands his players deeply. “People often say, ‘He doesn’t know English, how will he talk?’ But a captain’s job is not just to talk; it’s to understand his team, bring out the best in them, and know exactly how to use each player,” he explained.
He also criticised the modern obsession with image over substance. “Now it’s all about what people see on television or social media. How you speak, how you look — that’s how they judge you. Everyone’s busy saying who should or shouldn’t be captain,” he said with a smile.
This year’s IPL gave Axar his first full season as Delhi Capitals’ captain. His side finished fifth, just shy of the playoffs, but he says the experience has taught him valuable lessons in leadership. “I like a happy, lively dressing room,” he said. “But that doesn’t mean players can take things lightly. There’s a line. Winning comes first — enjoyment comes after. You play your best cricket when you play with joy.”
Despite being a mainstay in India’s white-ball teams, Axar has yet to cement his place in the Test XI. With India preparing to face South Africa, his selection remains uncertain. If the management opts for three spinners, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar are also in contention.
Through his words, Axar has sparked a wider conversation — that in cricket, as in life, leadership is not defined by one’s accent or vocabulary, but by vision, empathy and the ability to inspire.