Ian Bell Supports Axar Patel Amid IPL Struggles and Praises KL Rahul's Growth
Bell Shows Confidence in Captain Axar Patel
Ian Bell, the batting coach for Delhi Capitals (DC), has expressed his unwavering support for captain Axar Patel, who has faced challenges this season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Despite his struggles with both bat and ball, Bell commended batter KL Rahul for enhancing his game and improving his strike rate ahead of the upcoming match against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Delhi on Sunday.
So far in IPL 2026, Axar Patel has had a tough time, accumulating only 100 runs across nine innings and taking 10 wickets in 11 matches. His lackluster performance has significantly contributed to the Delhi Capitals' precarious position, as they currently rank seventh in the IPL 2026 standings with 10 points from 12 matches, having achieved five victories and suffered seven losses.
During the pre-match press conference, Bell emphasized the importance of supporting Axar during this challenging period. He described Axar as a crucial player for both the franchise and the national team due to his all-round skills. Bell noted that Axar is more disappointed than anyone else regarding his form and is eager to make a positive impact. He also highlighted Axar's strong character and respect within the team, stating, "Supporting him is essential. It's a tough situation. Axar is vital not just for this franchise but for India in T20 cricket. He can bat, bowl, and field effectively. He is eager to perform well for the team, and he is well-respected among his peers."
KL Rahul's Impressive Performance Recognized
Bell also took the opportunity to commend KL Rahul for his batting achievements this season, particularly noting his remarkable strike rate. Rahul has amassed 477 runs in 12 innings, averaging 43.36 with a strike rate of 177.98, which includes one century and three half-centuries.
He praised Rahul for his ability to adapt and evolve as a T20 batsman, acknowledging his understanding of the modern game's demands, especially during the powerplay. Bell mentioned that Rahul is motivated to reclaim his spot in India's T20I team and has positively influenced younger players. He remarked, "Working with KL has been fantastic. He is an intelligent cricketer who knows how to keep improving his game. He is eager to return to the India T20I squad and understands the current dynamics of the powerplay. He is a great mentor for younger batters and has demonstrated that he can balance consistency with an aggressive style of play."