Delhi Capitals (DC) continued their dream run in the tournament, defeating Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by six wickets to notch up their fourth consecutive win.
Skipper Axar Patel smiled at the post-match presentation as he lauded his team’s confidence and strategic execution, which have kept them unbeaten so far.
Chasing 164 on a challenging Bengaluru surface, Delhi rode on a brilliant unbeaten 93 from KL Rahul, who anchored the innings with poise and power. Rahul’s 53-ball knock, studded with seven fours and six sixes, guided the Capitals to 169/4 in 17.5 overs, securing two more points and keeping them firmly in the second spot on the table with eight points from four games.
Reflecting on the team’s form and mindset, Axar said, “When we won three in three, thought that four out of four could also be possible (smiles). Everyone is playing with confidence, it feels nice (to have won four out of four),” as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.
Axar also spoke about his tactical decisions with the ball and how spin played a crucial role in the middle overs.
“We talk about match-ups and what is happening off the surface. I felt they like to face pacers, so tried to hold them back. Then the ball was spinning and bouncing, so thought of bowling spin in the powerplay. But the 19th over (that he bowled) was too tactical (laughs),” he added.
He praised veteran spinner Kuldeep Yadav and young Vipraj, whose performances have strengthened the bowling unit.
“Kuldeep has been there for many years and to do it consistently on this big platform is a good thing. Vipraj, in the first two games, was feeling pressure but the way he bowled in the last game and this game, he is confident. Day by day, he is improving. He is giving the captain confidence and no better thing than that,” Axar said.
He also reserved special mention for KL Rahul, whose composed innings took the team home under pressure.
“It becomes a very easy job for me. I have been in that situation, being used as a floater in pressure situations. It is not easy (changing positions). Having a player like him is a very good thing. I played a bad shot today to get out, but he played a mature innings and finished it off. He has been carrying his Champions Trophy form,” he added.
With four wins on the trot, Delhi Capitals are emerging as one of the most balanced and confident sides in the tournament.-ANI