NEWS
Follow UsPlaying their first game at home in four years, Delhi Capitals (DC) all-rounder Axar Patel had dedicated the one-handed six off Mohammad Shami to Rishabh Pant, who is recovering from a horrific car crash. In Pant's absence, David Warner has been entrusted to lead the franchise this season.
DC succumbed to a six-wicket loss against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Delhi on Tuesday (April 4) and as a result, have now lost both their games in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.
Speaking of the six, Axar said, “I didn’t plan the one-handed six. My bottom hand came off when I tried to extend my arms. Fortunately, I hit that ball for a six. And then I told Rishabh that the one-handed shot was for him. I was quite happy with my batting performance and I hope that I can keep performing well for Delhi Capitals."
Pant was in attendance and also met the players from both the sides in the dressing room. “It was great to meet Rishabh in the dressing room. Players from the Gujarat team also came to meet him. Hopefully, he recovers soon and comes back to Kotla. Then both of us can play one-handed shots," Axar, the vice-captain of the side, added.
Despite losing both matches in the tournament, Axar believes there is no need for panic. “It’s still early days in the tournament. I don’t think we need to work on too many aspects of our game," Axar said.
“We are playing together after a long time so we’ll take some time to gel together as a unit. Once our combinations start working, then it’ll get better for us."
Regardless of the result, Axar said he enjoyed playing in front of the home fans after a long time. “It was disappointing to be on the wrong side of the result. But, it was great to play in front of our fans after a long time. I hope the fans enjoyed the game. Hopefully, we’ll perform well in the rest of our home games."
DC will look to get off the mark in the tournament when they take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) next on Saturday (April 8).
