DC captain Axar Patel reveals the reason behind defeat to KKR

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel has opened up on the defeat to the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 48th match of the IPL 2025 season at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday, April 29.

Axar stated that the bowlers conceded 15-20 extra runs in the powerplay overs. Notably, KKR batters scored 79 runs in the powerplay overs, losing only one wicket. Though DC bowlers tried to bowl well, KKR posted 204/9 in 20 overs.

"I think how the wicket was and how we bowled in the powerplay, we gave away 15-20 runs too many. We also lost a few wickets in a soft manner. The positive was how we restricted them after the powerplay, coming to the batting, even though few batters failed, 2-3 of us contributed and took it so close, "Axar Patel said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

Speaking about Vipraj’s batting, Axar asserted that the all-rounder created hope with his knock in the death overs. However, with the target being massive, Vipraj couldn’t get past the winning line. With DC having four days of rest, Axar added that they would be able to recover. 

In a 205-run chase, Delhi Capitals were in all sorts of trouble, losing five wickets for 138 runs in 14 overs. Though Vipraj Nigam smacked 38 runs in 19 balls with five fours and two sixes, he couldn’t take his side over the line. 

“When Vipraj was batting there was hope, if Ashutosh was there then they could have repeated the first game. My skin got peeled off as I dived on the practice wickets to stop the ball, but the good thing is there are 3-4 days break and hopefully I will be able to recover,” he concluded.

Delhi Capitals will next take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Monday, May 5.

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