Axar Patel has called on supporters of Delhi Capitals to stand by the team during a challenging phase in the Indian Premier League 2026 season. The appeal came after a crushing nine-wicket loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, adding to the franchise’s recent struggles.
Delhi began their campaign on a strong note with two consecutive wins, but their form has since declined sharply. In a previous match, they conceded a massive chase of 265 runs against Punjab Kings, and their latest outing saw them collapse to just 75 runs, marking one of the lowest totals of the season.
At one stage, the batting lineup was in complete disarray at 8 for 6, raising fears of breaking the all-time lowest score record in IPL history. However, they managed to avoid that unwanted milestone. Royal Challengers Bengaluru comfortably chased down the target within seven overs, losing only one wicket.
Following the defeat, Axar Patel expressed his disappointment while also acknowledging the frustration of fans. He emphasized that players are equally affected by losses and urged supporters to remain loyal regardless of results. He highlighted that true fandom is about standing with the team through both victories and setbacks.
The captain admitted that the previous high-scoring loss may have impacted the team’s mindset, suggesting that hesitation among batters contributed to the poor performance. He added that the squad must move past the defeat quickly and focus on upcoming matches with renewed belief.
Delhi Capitals currently find themselves in a difficult position on the points table, needing to win at least five of their remaining matches to keep playoff hopes alive. Despite the situation, Axar Patel reaffirmed his confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back.
In the match, Josh Hazlewood delivered a standout performance with four wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar contributed with three crucial scalps. Their disciplined bowling played a key role in dismantling the Delhi batting lineup.
As the tournament progresses, Delhi Capitals will need a dramatic turnaround to revive their campaign, with both players and fans hoping for a strong comeback in the remaining fixtures.
