IPL 2026: DC skip Axar Patel assures aggressive approach

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Delhi Capitals will begin their quest for a maiden title when they take on Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on April 1. The side will be led by India’s T20 vice-captain Axar Patel.

In his second year in the role, Axar has the full backing of the team’s management, including head coach Hemang Badani and Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao. Despite coming close in previous seasons, DC, the nearly-there team of the IPL, have failed to cross the line.

‘I don’t talk of our losses’

Asked about those near misses, Axar said the team does not dwell on them. “As a skipper, I don’t raise this issue and we don’t even talk about how we came close yet lost. We do discuss that it is a matter of one or two games. I don’t want it to enter the players’ minds either. Everyone is aware of it. We want to keep the environment positive. We talk about how we have to focus and what we need to work on,” Axar told reporters here on Monday.

DC were the last team to be eliminated in the league stage last season, finishing fifth with seven wins. Axar was frank about the Impact Player rule. “I don’t like this rule, obviously, because I am an all-rounder. Earlier, teams picked all-rounders to perform both roles. Now, teams pick a specialist batsman or bowler as an Impact Player, so why do we need all-rounder. But if a rule is there, we have to follow it,” he said.

Outlining his captaincy mantra, Patel said, “We have created a culture where we approach the game calmly, while maintaining an aggressive and fearless approach.”

Starc yet to get NOC

Meanwhile, Badani said Australian pacer Mitchell Starc is expected to join soon, with the franchise awaiting his NOC from Cricket Australia. “We are waiting to hear from CA. Once we get the NOC, we will know when he will join us,” he said.

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