Axar Patel Takes Responsibility After RCB Humiliation: “We Have to Stay and Fight Together”
Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel did not shy away from tough questions after his side suffered a heavy defeat against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, a match that exposed a shocking batting collapse and further dented their playoff hopes.
DC were completely blown away early in their innings, losing six wickets for just nine runs inside the first four overs. The collapse left the dugout stunned and the team eventually on the receiving end of a humiliating defeat. It also marked their third consecutive loss, pushing them down to seventh place in the points table.
“As a Captain, I Have to Take Responsibility”
In the post-match press conference, Axar Patel openly admitted the need for accountability within the group and said leadership is about handling both players and support staff during difficult phases.
“As a captain, there are a lot of things that you have to learn. Not just players, but support staff and everyone—you have to motivate them,” Axar said.
He stressed that the team must avoid excuses and instead focus on unity and improvement.
“You either give excuses or you stay with your team and prepare together. We have to fight together,” he added.
No Panic Changes Despite Collapse
When asked whether Delhi Capitals would consider major changes after the defeat, Axar made it clear that the team is unlikely to overhaul the playing XI.
“I don’t think you’ll get results if you make a lot of changes. There won’t be a lot of changes in the team,” he said.
He added that mental stability and consistency in preparation are more important at this stage of the tournament.
Lingering Impact of Previous Defeat
Axar also suggested that DC’s mindset may have been affected by their previous match, where they failed to defend a massive 265-run total against Punjab Kings.
“I feel what happened in the last game was still playing on our minds. There was hesitation,” he admitted.
According to him, early wickets in the RCB game only added to the pressure, triggering a chain reaction that led to the collapse.
“We lost six wickets in 15–16 balls, and the team became agitated,” he explained.
“Pressure Is There in Every Match”
Axar rejected the idea that pressure was specific to certain matches in the IPL, saying it is a constant factor throughout the tournament.
“In the IPL, every match has pressure. You can’t say one match is easy,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of sticking to processes rather than getting affected by results.
Delhi Capitals Face a Must-Win Phase
With three straight defeats and inconsistent performances across departments, Delhi Capitals now find themselves at a crucial point in their season. Under Axar Patel’s leadership, the focus will be on regrouping quickly, restoring confidence, and keeping their playoff hopes alive in a tightly contested IPL 2026 campaign.
