'Why go to a part-timer?' Ashwin slams Axar Patel’s captaincy after DC's defeat to SRH

Delhi Capitals conceded their highest total of IPL 2026, 242 runs, powered by a sensational unbeaten 135 from Abhishek Sharma, who batted through the entire 20 overs. Following the defeat, former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin criticised skipper Axar Patel for questionable decisions during the match.

Sunrisers Hyderabad continued their strong run with a commanding 47-run win, driven by Abhishek’s 68-ball masterclass, which included 10 fours and 10 sixes. He was well supported by Travis Head (37) and Heinrich Klaasen (37* off 13), helping SRH post a daunting 242/2.

In reply, Delhi Capitals showed early promise through a partnership between KL Rahul (37) and Nitish Rana (57), but lost momentum after their dismissals. Eshan Malinga starred with the ball, picking up 4/32, as DC were restricted to 195/9.

Ashwin Questions Key Tactical Call

Ashwin took particular issue with Delhi’s bowling strategy, highlighting the overuse of part-time bowler Nitish Rana. Rana bowled his full quota of four overs, conceding 55 runs, while frontline spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel bowled just two overs each.

Kuldeep returned figures of 1/23 in his two overs, while Axar conceded 30 runs without taking a wicket.

“In DC's bowling attack, they have Axar Patel, Kuldeep, Lungi, Mukesh, and Natarajan. But the first player to complete his 4-over quota was Nitish Rana, and that's where they lost the match. It has to be the biggest blunder so far,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat.

Ashwin further questioned the logic behind relying on a part-time option despite having a full set of specialist bowlers.

“Conceding 50 runs in four overs is not a big deal, but if you have five regular bowlers, why did you go for a part-timer?” he added.

The loss pushed Delhi Capitals down to fifth place in the standings, while Sunrisers Hyderabad climbed to third, continuing their upward momentum in IPL 2026.