Axar Patel really knows how to make the players feel comfortable right away, and that’s been a big part of why the Delhi Capitals are off to such a hot start this IPL season. This is what the team’s assistant coach, Matthew Mott, had to say. Right now, DC has won three games in a row, which has them sitting pretty at the top of the points table.
Mott shared that Axar has a really nice balance between cricket and life, and he’s great at making everyone in the group feel included. He said that Axar makes sure the players are happy and engaged—that they’re not just following orders from one voice. “He has a way of bringing smiles to their faces,” Mott explained during a pre-match chat in Bengaluru.
What stands out about Axar’s leadership is how he pulls in advice from senior players like KL Rahul and Faf Du Plessis, who have been around the block. He’s smart about not trying to shoulder all the responsibility alone. He really knows how to lean on those senior guys,” Mott pointed out. We’ve had some good chats with KL and Faf. They both bring a lot to the table.
Mott also described Axar as a pretty calm and collected person who gets that cricket is a funny game. “He’s played enough to understand that things can change quickly,” he said. “When you’re winning, everything feels great, but he’s the kind of guy who stays upbeat, even on the tough days.”
On another note, while Mott admires Axar’s leadership, he also thinks it’s time for him to step it up a bit as a bowler. In the last three matches, he’s only bowled eight overs and didn’t snag any wickets. Mott mentioned, “We were kind of surprised he didn’t bowl more. Other bowlers were stepping up, like Vipraj Nigam, who has been doing great for us. So maybe Axar decided to give the others a shot.”
Mott feels that with Axar’s skill set and experience, he should be more involved when it comes to bowling. “I think as we push forward in the tournament, we’ll see him take on a bigger role,” he noted.
Switching gears, Mott was really impressed with how Rahul has been flexible when it comes to batting positions. “KL was incredible in the last game,” he said. “He came in when we really needed him and played a stellar innings that helped lead us to victory. He’s a player who can slot in anywhere in the order, which is something that not everyone can do. He’s just a top-notch player.”
Mott hinted that Rahul will continue to play a vital role in the DC lineup. On the other hand, Jake Fraser-McGurk is a bit riskier as an opener, so having someone experienced like Rahul at the other end is super important. Jake can really shake things up, but it’s a high-risk game he’s playing. When he’s in form, he can really change the match, but he also has the freedom to play his game under our leadership,” Mott said, emphasizing their strategy.
Lastly, Mott mentioned the situation with veteran batter Faf Du Plessis and his chances of being fit for the match against RCB. Du Plessis skipped the last game due to an injury, which Mott suggested might be a groin issue. “The good thing about the schedule is that he had some time off,” Mott explained. “He’ll be checked out by the physios before the game. From what I can see, he looks like he’s moving pretty well.”
