Aakash Chopra has praised Axar Patel for his all-round performance in Delhi Capitals’ win over SunRisers Hyderabad in their 2023 IPL match on April 24th. After opting to bat first in Hyderabad, Axar scored a run-a-ball 34 to help DC set a target of 145 runs for SRH. He then took 2 wickets for 21 runs in his four overs, helping DC restrict SRH to 137/6 and secure a seven-run win.
In a video review of the game shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra named Axar Patel as the most valuable player. He also expressed his opinion that DC is not using Axar effectively, stating:
“Bapu was, without a doubt, the most valuable player. Bapu did the job he is repeatedly doing, and he is making Delhi realize that they are still not using him properly; you can do a little better. Whenever he comes, he scores runs with the bat.”
He also highlighted the importance of Axar’s innings despite it being run-a-ball, stating:
“He was playing very well. Some people might say what is great about a 34 off 34, but the truth is that not even one fifty was scored in this match. Mayank Agarwal came close, but he also didn’t score a fifty. It was that sort of pitch where the ball was turning, getting stuck and not coming properly onto the bat.”
“There is a small request for Delhi here. It is not necessary that you get him to bat at the end only; he can actually bat up the order as well because the guys you are sending above him are not doing anything.” He further added.
Axar Patel came in to bat at No. 7 after DC lost three wickets in the eighth over bowled by Washington Sundar, leaving them at 62/5. He then formed a 69-run partnership with Manish Pandey (34 off 27) for the sixth wicket, helping DC post a competitive total.
“That was incredible”: Aakash Chopra on Axar’s bowling spell
Aakash Chopra concluded by highlighting Axar Patel’s vital contribution with the ball, stating:
“Then came the turn to bowl, and there also he picked up two wickets and very big wickets. He dismissed Mayank Agarwal with a slightly slower delivery and then hit the ball on Aiden Markram’s stumps. That was incredible.”
Axar Patel first dismissed SRH’s top-scorer Mayank Agarwal (49 off 39) by having him caught by Aman Hakim Khan at long-on. He then bowled Aiden Markram, who bottom-edged a cut shot onto his stumps, reducing SRH to 85/5. Despite a 41-run partnership between Heinrich Klaasen (31 off 19) and Washington Sundar (24* off 15) for the sixth wicket, SRH could not reach the target.