Axar Patel's Fearless Captaincy Trend Glows during Debut Season with Delhi Capitals

Axar Patel has had an inspiring one-year journey. He missed the 2023 ODI World Cup due to an injury that he recovered from stronger than before. He starred in India's victories in the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. These successes raised his stature and presented a new challenge in his direction when he was selected as the captain of the Delhi Capitals. To take over a team that had never been able to win an IPL championship was never going to be an easy job but Axar has succeeded in taking them to five victories in six matches already and they are currently at the top of the points table.

This new stage in Axar's career is abounding in learning and leadership. Despite the pressure he does not let it impact his mindset. Axar stated that he likes the responsibility of being a captain and it is something he has always wanted to do. He feels that if a player has an experience of leading a team and playing cricket the way they think they should not miss an opportunity. He is enjoying both on field and off field which is making him handle the pressure with ease. He feels that the best cricket is played when an individual is enjoying the game.

Many Indian captains have their unique styles and Axar is finding his own way too. While Dhoni was known for calm instincts Kohli was aggressive and Rohit focused on team balance and intent. Axar prefers trusting his gut feeling. He listens to advice but believes it is important to back his own choices so that he can learn from them. Even when things turn awry, he does not shy away from taking responsibility. These are moments of learning and development, says Axar in agreement with them. He states some decisions are going to come good and others not but it doesn't imply they are a mistake. They are tactical options and he has no problem taking the result for granted.

There were some surprises from the Delhi Capitals this season. They felt that KL Rahul would be the captain in the beginning but he withdrew from captaincy to concentrate on his T20 aspirations. That made it possible for Axar. His own bubbly nature is assisting in keeping the mood light as well as serious in the dressing room. He attempts to lighten the mood but keeps discipline in place when it counts. He reminds his players that they can have fun but after the work has been accomplished on the field. He is aware that having a relaxed environment assists players in playing better and he attempts to balance fun and seriousness appropriately.

Axar does not hesitate to play with risks and some of his tactical choices have raised questions. One of the biggest calls that he made was when he utilized Tristan Stubbs to bowl an over to Nicholas Pooran who went on to hit 28 runs. It was a risk call made using the match-up of an off-spinner versus a left-handed batsman but it did not pay off. Nevertheless, Axar is still justified in his decision. He experimented something similar with Rajasthan Royals as well and even though it resulted in 12 runs he took it as a part of learning. Flexibility, according to him, is what T20 cricket demands and one has to alter plans as per the circumstances.

During one of the recent games the wicket appeared to be slow in the first innings but shifted midway. Axar soon realized slower balls were no longer working. So he tinkered with the bowling lineup by introducing Mohit who had experience in death overs. He also banked on Starc's pace and yorkers. These adjustments paid off and Axar demonstrated how smart thinking can do wonders. It is these intelligent decisions that have been helping Delhi Capitals win matches and instilling team confidence.

While Axar has been performing well as a captain his individual bowling performance has not been great. He had gone some matches without taking a wicket and his economy rate was also higher than normal. He admitted that he was still getting pain from a finger injury suffered during the Champions Trophy. He was being cautious and bowling only when necessary. He claimed he pushed himself in one match but did more harm than good. Otherwise, he isn't too concerned. He is of the view that if he continues bowling where he should, eventually wickets will come through.

His own batting has seen its highs also. His sparkling 34 in only 14 balls against Rajasthan Royals gave a boost to the team in returning a superior score. That effort was just in time for a struggling team when it mattered. Axar isn't letting his form worries. He is interested in getting his work done and remaining prepared to play any part the team wishes him to undertake.

As a new captain Axar realizes that there is much to learn but he is enjoying the process. He opines that instances like the Super Over victory over Rajasthan Royals reveal the character and spirit of the team. He feels that such closely contested matches unite the players and instill confidence in the entire team. He is pleased with the way everyone is playing and how well the plans are being carried out. He concedes that fielding is not so good but has faith that they will improve in the next games.

Axar Patel's aggressive approach his straight-shooting style and his passion for the game are leaving everyone stunned. He is showing everyone that he is more than equipped to play the role and if this performance goes on Delhi Capitals may well be headed for a record-breaking season.