At one stage, Delhi Capitals were struggling at 8/6, and it looked like they might end up breaking RCB’s unwanted record of the lowest-ever IPL total (49). However, the team somehow managed to recover and eventually posted a slightly better score of 75. RCB then chased down the target of 76 comfortably in the seventh over with nine wickets in hand.
After the heavy defeat against defending champions RCB, Delhi captain Axar Patel made a humble appeal to fans, urging them to continue supporting the franchise even during tough times. He said that supporters should stand by the team regardless of results.
The spin-bowling all-rounder, who is himself going through a lean phase in IPL 2026, admitted that the players are equally hurt by the loss and are determined to turn things around.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Axar said, “If fans are disheartened, the players are also hurt. After so much hard work, we don’t play to lose. This is the time when support matters the most. It shouldn’t be only when we win. Whether we win or lose, support should remain the same.”
He further added, “We are supporting a team, so have trust and belief. As a captain, I trust my players and believe we can bounce back.”
Delhi’s playoff hopes under pressure
Delhi, currently placed seventh on the points table, now need to win at least five of their remaining six matches to stay in contention for the playoffs. Axar admitted that the shock defeat against Punjab Kings—where they failed to defend 264—may have had a lingering impact on the team’s confidence.
“What happened in the last game may have affected us. There was hesitation among the batters. It was also a bit of bad luck as wickets kept falling quickly. We need to forget this and move forward,” he said.
In the match against RCB, bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar dominated proceedings, taking four and three wickets respectively to bundle out DC for just 75 in 16.3 overs. Axar praised the duo, calling them world-class bowlers who bowled with consistent discipline and length. (Agency)
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