On Thursday evening, that relentless attitude translated into two moments of fielding brilliance that quietly shifted the momentum in India\u2019s favour.<\/p>\n
While Sanju Samson grabbed the headlines with the bat and Jasprit Bumrah dictated terms with the ball, Axar\u2019s athleticism in the field proved just as decisive.<\/p>\n
ALSO READ<\/b> | India has a worsening Varun problem, but Axar says he is still \u2018X-factor\u2019<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n The first moment arrived in the PowerPlay. Harry Brook miscued a slower delivery from Bumrah, and Axar sprinted nearly 24 metres backwards from the cover region to complete a stunning catch over his shoulder, a piece of fielding that left teammates and spectators stunned.<\/p>\n Later, in the 14th over, Axar produced another crucial intervention when Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks threatened to tilt the contest England\u2019s way.<\/p>\n Jacks sliced a wide full toss from Arshdeep Singh towards deep point. Axar charged to his left, grabbed the ball on the move and smartly relayed it to Shivam Dube as he crossed the ropes, a relay effort that resulted in Jacks\u2019 dismissal and halted England\u2019s momentum.<\/p>\n For Axar, though, the first effort remained the more demanding one.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you ask me fielding-wise, Brook\u2019s catch was tougher. And yeah, luckily today, I felt like the ball was chasing me,\u201d Axar said with a smile.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a very good catch for me, it was tough. But if you look at the situation and the way the England batsmen were batting, the catch of Will Jacks was also very important to break the partnership at that time,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n Yet, for Axar, the bigger test lies ahead.<\/p>\n India will now head to the Narendra Modi Stadium for Sunday\u2019s final against New Zealand\u2014a match that carries special significance for the all-rounder.<\/p>\n Interestingly, despite India playing two matches at the venue in this tournament, against the Netherlands and South Africa, Axar did not feature in either game, a decision that raised a few eyebrows.<\/p>\n He had also missed out when India played the 2023 ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad. This time, however, the opportunity feels far more personal.<\/p>\n