Overview:
In seven matches of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Axar took 11 wickets at an average of 18.63.
Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has warned Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel ahead of IPL 2026. During IPL 2025, DC started the season on a high but lost the momentum when it mattered the most. They finished fifth and failed to qualify for the playoffs. Axar is renowned for his relaxed presence on the field, but the all-rounder was found wanting as a skipper on several occasions.
Pujara hailed Axar’s personality but told him that he should be careful while leading the franchise, as letting the momentum slip could cost his team again in the league.
“Axar is calm, and he doesn’t take pressure. His personality is good for a league like IPL. He backs his players, but he shouldn’t over-relaxed. You can’t get casual and allow the momentum to slip. DC were in fine form last year, but they failed to win in the second half of the league. He has to keep this in mind in this year’s edition,” Pujara said.
Axar took five wickets from 12 matches at an average of 57.60 and an economy rate of 8.47. Meanwhile, Mohammad Kaif is confident about the DC captain’s comeback with the ball.
Kaif feels Axar will bowl in the powerplay overs, given the presence of Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam in the team.
“Axar Patel can bowl with the new ball. He didn’t take a lot of wickets last year because Delhi were not able to score heavily. Kuldeep and Vipraj Nigam are part of the squad. The last season was not good, but he will make a strong comeback,” Kaif said.
In seven matches of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Axar took 11 wickets at an average of 18.63.