IPL 2025: “Soft Dismissals Cost Us the Game”: DC Skipper Axar Patel Reflects on Narrow Loss to KKR

Axar admits Delhi gave away too many early runs and lost key wickets cheaply, despite late heroics by Vipraj Nigam in their 14-run defeat to KKR.

New Delhi, April 30:
Delhi Capitals (DC) skipper Axar Patel expressed disappointment after his team’s narrow 14-run defeat to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday, highlighting key moments where the match slipped out of their hands.

Reflecting on the performance in the post-match presentation, Axar pointed to the early overs with the ball and some careless dismissals during the run chase.

“We conceded 15–20 extra runs in the powerplay, considering the nature of the pitch,” said Axar. “And while chasing, we lost a few wickets in a soft manner. Those small lapses cost us in the end.”

Despite a solid foundation at 136/3 in 14 overs, Delhi’s batting crumbled under pressure from KKR’s spin duo Sunil Narine (3/29) and Varun Chakravarthy (2/39), who triggered a collapse that saw DC fall short at 190/9 in response to KKR’s 204/9.

Axar, who himself contributed a blazing 43 off 23 balls, acknowledged the efforts of young batter Vipraj Nigam (38 off 19) in almost turning the tide late in the innings.

“When Vipraj was batting, there was hope. If Ashutosh had stayed longer, they could’ve recreated the magic from our earlier game,” he added, referencing a prior thrilling win.

Axar also revealed he picked up a minor injury during the game while fielding.
“My skin got peeled diving on the practice wicket while trying to save a boundary, but thankfully we have a few days’ break. I hope to recover before the next game.”

Delhi Capitals currently sit at fourth on the points table with six wins from ten matches. Their home form remains a concern, with just one win in four games at the Arun Jaitley Stadium this season. KKR, meanwhile, moved to seventh with their fourth win.