IPL 2026: ‘A mature captain never...'- Former India cricketer questions Axar Patel’s leadership
Mohammad Kaif criticized Axar Patel for publicly singling out teammate Kuldeep Yadav during Delhi Capitals' challenging IPL 2026 season. Kaif emphasized that experienced captains avoid public criticism, especially of proven performers like Kuldeep, advocating for team-focused accountability instead. Despite this, Axar played a crucial captain's knock in a recent win.
Mohammad Kaif has criticised Axar Patel for publicly pointing fingers at teammate Kuldeep Yadav during Delhi Capitals’ difficult IPL 2026 campaign. Despite keeping their slim playoff hopes alive with a thrilling three-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Dharamsala on Monday, Delhi Capitals remain under pressure after losing seven of their 12 matches this season. Questions have also continued to surround their spin department, particularly the performances of Axar and Kuldeep.
Following Delhi’s earlier defeat against Chennai Super Kings, Axar had publicly spoken about Kuldeep’s struggles, something Kaif believes should not have happened. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif said experienced captains avoid singling out players in public, especially someone with Kuldeep’s proven record. “A mature captain never publicly names one of his players or lets his player down.
He does not openly blame him. I can understand that Kuldeep has gone through a tough phase this season-he has not bowled that well and hasn't picked up many wickets. But ever since he joined Delhi, he has been a proven bowler,” Kaif said.
Kaif further backed Kuldeep’s long-term value, highlighting his consistency for both Delhi and India across formats over the years. “Forget just the IPL; even if you talk about India in ODIs or T20Is over the years, he has consistently performed. Yes, this season has been a bit quiet for him and his bowling has not been at its best.