Axar Patel is quickly establishing himself as a valuable all-rounder in the white-ball formats, and he attributed his success to "self-belief".

In the latest instance, Axar played a handy knock of 42 and then claimed the prized scalp of Kane Williamson with his left-arm spin to script India’s 44-run victory over New Zealand in a Champions Trophy fixture at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday (March 2).

"I was not able to click earlier and it was in the back of the mind that I was not able to show my talent. Maybe, I was putting more pressure on myself back then, despite knowing that I have the talent," Axar said in a mixed zone interaction with reporters in Dubai.

But he realized his potential after playing an unbeaten knock of 64 in 35 balls against the West Indies at Barbados in 2022. His innings had helped India chase down a daunting 312.

"After that match against the West Indies, I knew I could finish games. As soon as I gained that self-belief, I didn't think much about whether I wanted to show batting to anyone or not.

"I know that I have it and if I give my 100 percent, I can be confident of doing well continuously," Axar stated.

Axar also said his promotion to No. 5 batting slot in white-ball formats helped his growth as an all-rounder.

"When I get an opportunity, I try to bat based on the situation. But now, the approach has changed. Earlier, I used to come down and had to make runs quickly. Now, I know that there are more batsmen behind me, so I can play accordingly.

"I know that I have a lot of time. It depends on the requirement of the team as well and if I feel that I have to attack the spinner, I play accordingly like I had a partnership (a 98-run fourth wicket stand with Shreyas Iyer) in this match (vs NZ), and we could have a good total," he explained.

Axar also lauded fellow spinner Varun Chakaravarthy (5/42) for producing a match-winning spell against New Zealand in the last group-stage match.

"Credit goes to him. The T20 WC (2021) was not a good experience for him. But after that he has come back and his mental skill shows how ready he is. I think he is carrying forward his performances in T20s to ODIs," he added.

When asked what makes Chakravarthy a tough customer, Axar replied: "It is very difficult to read from his hand. And the pace with which he bowls is very difficult. So, I think, if a batter misses (the line), there is a higher chance of getting out. He is fast in the air also."

India will face Australia in the first semi-final in Dubai on Tuesday (March 4), with the tournament now reaching its business end.