Delhi Capitals (DC) assistant coach Pravin Amre has revealed the reason behind sending Axar Patel at No. 7 rather than promoting him up the batting order in IPL 2023. Amre reasoned that DC need an all-rounder for the position of the finisher.
With Axar in excellent form, many commentators have questioned DC’s choice not to give him more overs to bat, particularly with skipper David Warner struggling.
Axar joined the IPL 2023 after a successful Test series against Australia when he finished as India’s second-highest run-scorer with three fifties.
Amre stated at a news conference before facing the Gujarat Titans (GT):
“Axar has the ability to finish the game. We need someone to play the finisher’s role. He has struck the highest number of sixes for us this season. Therefore, we have to hold him back sometimes, so that he can play the finisher’s role in the batting order.”
Despite the fact that DC has suffered six losses, Amre has trust on the team, citing previous comebacks. He said:
“Many teams have made comebacks after a poor start in the IPL. That’s the beauty of this tournament. Any team can beat any side. That’s why we have to give our best.
“It’s going to be challenging for us to play against Gujarat. But you never know, what can happen in the IPL. We have to stay in the present and focus on taking the two points in our next game. Our middle order has to bat better and we’ll look to improve our batting in the death overs.”
Warner and his team lost their first five games before winning two straight. However, their winning streak was short-lived as SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) defeated them in their last match. DC is currently at the bottom of the points table.
“Axar Patel should be appointed the captain of Delhi Capitals”- Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar, former Indian opener, previously stated that Axar Patel should replace David Warner as DC captain. While speaking with Star Sports, he explained:
“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 a long run.”
Axar has scored 211 runs at an average of 35.17 and taken seven wickets in eight IPL 2023 matches.