Delhi Capitals' Axar Patel Reflects on Season and Team Spirit After Victory Over KKR

In a recent match, Delhi Capitals' captain Axar Patel expressed pride in his team's resilience despite a challenging IPL season. Following their 40-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders, he reflected on the importance of learning from mistakes and maintaining composure as a leader. Axar also identified Sunrisers Hyderabad as a formidable opponent among the qualifiers. The match summary highlights DC's strong performance, concluding their season positively. Discover more about Axar's insights and the match details in the full article.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 25, 2026, 00:41 IST

Axar Patel Proud of Team's Resilience

Axar Patel, the captain of Delhi Capitals (DC), expressed pride in his team's fighting spirit despite facing an inconsistent season. This sentiment came after their 40-run victory against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2026's final league match held at Eden Gardens on Sunday night.

Insights on DC's Season

During the post-match presentation, Axar reflected on the team's recent performances, commending their character in the closing matches. He stated, "In the last three games, despite the challenges, the team's determination was commendable. No one expected us to give up, and I take pride in that effort. Even when things were tough, we continued to fight."

He emphasized the importance of acknowledging mistakes and learning from them. "Recognizing what needs improvement is crucial. If just one match had turned out differently, our narrative could have changed significantly. Key moments, like catching opportunities, were pivotal in our campaign," he added.

Leadership Lessons from the Season

Axar also shared insights on his growth as a captain during challenging times. He noted, "The IPL requires a leader to manage everyone effectively. Maintaining a positive mindset is essential for making sound decisions."

He highlighted the necessity of staying calm under pressure, stating, "If I feel overwhelmed, I take a moment to relax my mind. Only then can I help others remain composed."

Backing SRH as Strongest Qualifier

When asked about the strongest team among the qualifiers, Axar pointed to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), saying, "SRH looks formidable. When their top three players perform well, they become a tough team to beat."

Match Summary: DC vs KKR

Delhi Capitals concluded their season on a high note with a decisive win over Kolkata Knight Riders, finishing the campaign positively despite not achieving a higher ranking. They successfully defended a total of 204 runs, winning by 40 runs.

Batting first, DC scored 203/5, with KL Rahul contributing a brisk 60 runs, followed by 39 from Axar Patel, and a late boost from David Miller and Ashutosh Sharma. KKR's bowlers struggled to control the scoring during the death overs.

In response, KKR started well with Finn Allen and Ajinkya Rahane adding 43 runs. However, the innings faltered after Kuldeep Yadav took two quick wickets, followed by Axar Patel dismissing Tejasvi Dahiya. Mitchell Starc and Lungi Ngidi wrapped up the lower order, bowling KKR out for 163 in 18.4 overs, securing a comprehensive victory for DC.