IPL 2025: Mitchell Starc Praises Axar Patel’s Calm Captaincy and All-Round Growth After DC’s Thrilling Win

The Aussie pacer hails Axar’s composure and leadership after Delhi Capitals’ dramatic one-wicket victory over LSG in a record run-chase powered by Ashutosh and Vipraj.

Mumbai, March 25: Delhi Capitals (DC) pacer Mitchell Starc lauded his skipper Axar Patel for his cool-headed leadership and growing stature as a world-class all-rounder, following the team’s breathtaking one-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the IPL 2025 clash on Monday.

DC chased down a mammoth 210-run target, bouncing back from a shaky 65/5 start, thanks to brilliant late-order heroics from Ashutosh Sharma (66)* and Vipraj Nigam (39). Speaking on Match Center Live on JioCinema, Starc highlighted how Axar’s temperament played a vital role in steadying the ship.

“Axar has been very calm. This is my first time sharing a dressing room with him, and it’s been impressive to watch him evolve into such a dominant all-rounder,” said Starc. “Even the intent he showed with the bat today helped kick-start our fightback.”

Axar contributed a handy 22 off 11 balls, displaying aggressive intent during DC’s early struggle. Starc also emphasized the team’s depth in leadership, praising the presence of experienced players.

“We’ve got a wealth of leadership in the squad—Faf du Plessis, Tristan Stubbs—guys with international and franchise experience. And with Axar’s composed approach, it builds a great team atmosphere,” he added. “Wins like this will give us massive confidence going forward.”

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Match Recap:

After being put into bat, LSG’s Mitchell Marsh (72) and Nicholas Pooran (75) exploded in the middle overs with an 87-run partnership, powering the team to 209/8. However, DC’s bowlers—Starc (3/42) and Kuldeep Yadav (2/20)—clawed back crucial wickets in the death overs to restrict the flow.

In response, DC stumbled to 65/5, with early blows shaking their chase. Contributions from Faf du Plessis (29) and Axar (22) kept them afloat before Ashutosh and Vipraj took charge. Their fearless batting at the death sealed one of IPL’s most memorable finishes with just three balls to spare.

Ashutosh Sharma was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 66.