Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 17: Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel remains hopeful that star batter and vice-captain Faf du Plessis will return to action for their upcoming clash against Gujarat Titans on Saturday, contingent upon the all-clear from team physios.
Addressing the media after DC’s recent match, Axar shared that du Plessis had been ruled out for three games due to an undisclosed injury. “He has been doing the recovery, so two matches are over. Maybe against Gujarat, he can play, but that too will have to be checked by physios,” Axar remarked.
While Abishek Porel has stepped up commendably in du Plessis’ absence, questions loom over the form of Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has struggled with just 55 runs from six innings. However, Axar reiterated his confidence in the young batter’s potential. “He is a player who can change the course of a match. We have the cushion to give him more chances and when we win, it gives us that breathing space,” he explained.
Taking on full-time captaincy duties for the first time in IPL, Axar Patel said he’s embracing the leadership role with open arms. “When you get the chance to run the team according to your instincts, and play the kind of cricket you want, you enjoy it,” he said. He stressed the importance of trusting his own decisions, even when they don’t always yield results.
“If a decision doesn’t work out, I don’t call it a mistake — it's just something that didn’t go right tactically. You get praised when it works, and criticised when it doesn’t. That’s part of the job,” he added candidly.
In a standout performance with the bat, Axar struck a blazing 34 off 14 balls against Rajasthan Royals, launching a late assault that helped DC pile up 188/5. Reflecting on his batting role, he noted, “As a captain, I can promote myself, but I prefer to go with the team’s needs. This is a team game, and I will always prioritise what the situation demands.”
Axar also registered his first wicket of the season by bowling Riyan Parag, despite struggling with a finger injury sustained during the Champions Trophy campaign. “There was a cut and the skin hasn’t healed completely. It flares up when I bowl a full quota, but now it feels better,” he stated.
He expressed satisfaction with his own execution, adding that he doesn’t stress too much about wickets as long as he’s bowling the right deliveries. “If I execute the plan well, I’m satisfied, whether I take a wicket or not.”
The all-rounder also celebrated Delhi’s nerve-wracking win in the Super Over, noting that it was a key moment for team morale. “It was my first time captaining in a Super Over, and winning it shows the confidence and character of the team. I’m proud of the way we are playing,” Axar said, adding that fielding remains an area of concern going into future matches.