An off-day: Axar Patel downplays Delhi Capitals’ heavy loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad


When an opposition runs away with the sport within the first innings itself, it turns into troublesome to pinpoint precisely what might have been performed proper. That was the sentiment expressed by Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel after his workforce’s 47-run defeat in opposition to Sunrisers Hyderabad on the Uppal Stadium on April 21. Nevertheless, the skipper did acknowledge that fielding was one space the place his facet might have carried out higher.

Abhishek Sharma was as soon as once more the focus after producing a scintillating knock. He introduced up a blistering century off simply 47 balls and went on to complete unbeaten on 135 off 68 deliveries, powering SRH to an enormous complete of 242 in 20 overs.

“When a batter is batting like this, the coach and captain have to just accept that even management can not cease such innings. I used to be telling the bowlers the identical factor — should you execute your plans and nonetheless get hit for good pictures, there may be nothing a lot you are able to do,” Axar Patel mentioned after the match. “This must be handled as an off day and forgotten.”

SRH vs DC, IPL 2026: HIGHLIGHTS | SCORECARD

Whereas Abhishek Sharma’s batting stole the highlight, SRH additionally delivered a disciplined bowling efficiency. The standout bowler was Eshan Malinga, who returned spectacular figures of 4 for 32 in his 4 overs. He acquired sturdy assist from Sakib Hussain, Dilshan Madushanka, and Harsh Dubey, all of whom contributed to preserving DC below stress throughout the chase.

RUE MISSED CHANCES

Regardless of the heavy defeat, Axar felt that Delhi Capitals had alternatives to make a distinction, significantly within the discipline. He pointed to missed probabilities that might have helped limit SRH’s complete.

“The run-out and the catch we missed – had we taken these, we might have managed issues higher,” he mentioned. “Fielding is one thing that’s absolutely in your management. Taking catches and effecting run-outs are areas the place you may assist your bowlers. That’s the place we might have performed higher.”

Axar referred to a key second when Abhishek was nearing his fifty, his slowest within the IPLand tried to steal a double below DC’s nostril. The throw was correct, however KL Rahul fumbled it. The second occasion got here later within the innings when the left-hander was dropped off T Natarajan’s bowling.

The DC captain’s tactical determination to play Nitish Rana as an all-rounder forward of Auqib Nabi additionally had an affect. Rana conceded 55 runs in his 4 overs, and although he made up for it with a preventing half-century of his personal whereas attempting to arrange the chase for the workforce, it was too little too late.

After the heavy defeat, the Delhi Capitals return residence to face the unbeaten Punjab Kings on the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 25. In the meantime, Sunrisers Hyderabad will journey to the Sawai Mansingh Stadium to tackle Rajasthan Royals on the identical day, aiming to hold ahead their successful momentum.

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Apr 22, 2026 01:02 IST

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