Delhi: Axar Patel has opened up on what went wrong for the Delhi Capitals after their dramatic batting collapse against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, admitting that better application and partnerships could have changed the outcome of the match.
Delhi’s innings unraveled under pressure, with the side failing to recover after early setbacks. Reflecting on the defeat, Axar highlighted that the team needed to show more composure, especially during the middle overs where wickets fell in quick succession.
“We Could Have Stabilized the Innings”
Speaking after the match, Axar suggested that one solid partnership could have made a significant difference. He emphasized that the pitch was not unplayable and that the collapse was more about execution than conditions.
“There was an opportunity to stabilize after the initial wickets,” Axar indicated. “If one or two batters had taken responsibility and built a partnership, we could have posted a competitive total.”
His remarks underline a recurring issue for Delhi this season, where promising starts have often been undone by sudden collapses.
Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Lead RCB’s Dominance
The primary architects of Delhi’s downfall were Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, whose disciplined bowling left the batting lineup struggling for answers.
Hazlewood’s accuracy and bounce troubled the batters consistently, while Bhuvneshwar’s swing and control in the powerplay ensured Delhi never found momentum. Their combined effort dismantled the Capitals’ lineup, leaving them with a total far below par.
Axar acknowledged the quality of RCB’s bowling attack, admitting that the opposition executed their plans perfectly.
“They bowled in the right areas and didn’t give us any room,” he noted. “Credit goes to them, but we also need to assess where we could have done better.”
Lack of Intent and Shot Selection Concerns
Another key factor in Delhi’s collapse was the lack of intent at crucial stages. Several batters struggled to rotate strike, building pressure that eventually led to rash shot selection.
Axar hinted that better game awareness and shot selection could have prevented the collapse. Instead of trying to force boundaries under pressure, a more calculated approach might have helped the team rebuild.
“In T20 cricket, it’s important to keep the scoreboard moving,” he suggested. “Even singles and doubles can ease pressure. We probably didn’t do that well enough.”
RCB’s Clinical Chase
Chasing a modest target, RCB made light work of the total, showcasing their batting depth and confidence. The early breakthroughs ensured there was little scoreboard pressure, allowing their batters to play freely and finish the game quickly.
The comprehensive nature of the win also boosts RCB’s position in the tournament, while Delhi are left to rethink their strategy moving forward.
What Delhi Capitals Need to Fix
For Delhi Capitals, the loss serves as a wake-up call. Axar’s comments reflect a need for:
- Stronger middle-order partnerships
- Better strike rotation under pressure
- Improved decision-making during collapses
With the tournament entering a crucial phase, consistency will be key if they hope to stay competitive.
Looking Ahead
Despite the heavy defeat, Axar remains optimistic about the team’s chances. He believes that addressing these issues quickly can help Delhi bounce back in upcoming matches.
“We have the talent in the squad,” he said. “It’s about executing our plans better and staying calm in pressure situations.”
As IPL 2026 continues to deliver intense contests, Delhi Capitals will need to regroup quickly, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru look to build on their dominant performance and carry momentum forward.