'Why go to a part-timer?' Ashwin slams Axar Patel’s captaincy after DC's defeat to SRH
Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Delhi Capitals by 47 runs after posting 242/2, powered by Abhishek Sharma’s 135*. DC fell short at 195/9, with Eshan Malinga taking 4/32. Ravichandran Ashwin criticised Axar Patel’s captaincy, calling the decision to give part-timer Nitish Rana four overs, while frontline spinners bowled just two each, the “biggest blunder.
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Delhi Capitals conceded their highest total of IPL 2026, 242 runs, powered by a sensational unbeaten 135 from Abhishek Sharma, who batted through the entire 20 overs. Following the defeat, former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin criticised skipper Axar Patel for questionable decisions during the match. Sunrisers Hyderabad continued their strong run with a commanding 47-run win, driven by Abhishek’s 68-ball masterclass, which included 10 fours and 10 sixes.
He was well supported by Travis Head (37) and Heinrich Klaasen (37* off 13), helping SRH post a daunting 242/2. In reply, Delhi Capitals showed early promise through a partnership between KL Rahul (37) and Nitish Rana (57), but lost momentum after their dismissals. Eshan Malinga starred with the ball, picking up 4/32, as DC were restricted to 195/9.
Ashwin Questions Key Tactical Call Ashwin took particular issue with Delhi’s bowling strategy, highlighting the overuse of part-time bowler Nitish Rana. Rana bowled his full quota of four overs, conceding 55 runs, while frontline spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel bowled just two overs each. Kuldeep returned figures of 1/23 in his two overs, while Axar conceded 30 runs without taking a wicket.