Axar Patel’s recent performances with both the bat and ball have not gone unnoticed, as former India captain and cricketing legend Sunil Gavaskar has recommended the all-rounder as a prospective candidate to lead Delhi Capitals in the near future. After regular skipper Rishabh Pant was ruled out of the IPL 2023 season, the Delhi Capitals selected Axar Patel as vice-captain, a decision that demonstrates the team’s confidence in Patel’s ability to lead in the absence of the regular captain.
Despite the Capitals’ slow start to the season, the team has managed to win two straight games after losing five in a row. While Australian star David Warner has scored 306 runs in 7 games for the Capitals, his strike rate of 119 has come under scrutiny. In contrast, Axar Patel has utilized the few opportunities he has had in IPL 2023 well, scoring 182 runs at a strike rate of 135.
Axar’s standout performance came in the Capitals’ victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 24, where he hit 34 runs and claimed two key wickets, helping to successfully defend Sunrisers’ total of 144 runs. Gavaskar, impressed by Axar’s recent form, said, “I believe Axar Patel should be appointed the captain of Delhi Capitals. He is an honest player. He’s in a good rhythm. The Indian team can benefit from him being named the captain of the franchise and performing well. All these things should be done in the long run.”
Axar Patel has been in great form with the bat in international cricket, particularly in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy where he scored 264 runs in 4 games for India. With his all-round abilities and leadership potential, Axar Patel could be a strong contender for the captaincy of the Delhi Capitals in the future.