DC skipper Axar Patel picks the strongest team in IPL 2026 playoffs

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Even though the Delhi Capitals (DC) bowed out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, skipper Axar Patel ensured his side finished the campaign on a high. After DC’s convincing 40-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, the all-rounder reflected on his team’s journey and also revealed which side he believes looks best equipped to go all the way this season.

Despite Delhi missing out on a playoff berth, Axar remained honest and balanced in his assessment of the competition. The DC captain admitted that one franchise, in particular, has looked extremely dangerous heading into the knockout stage.

During the post-match presentation, Axar was asked to identify the strongest among the four playoff-qualified teams. Without much hesitation, he picked Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as the standout side of IPL 2026. According to Axar, SRH’s explosive top-order batting gives them an edge over every other team in the tournament. He pointed out that when their top three get going, they become nearly impossible to contain.

“I think SRH are looking very strong. When their top three score runs, that team becomes very difficult to stop. So I think SRH,” said Axar after the match.

The praise from the Delhi skipper comes as no surprise considering the kind of cricket Hyderabad have played throughout the season. Their aggressive batting approach at the top has consistently dismantled bowling attacks, while their bowling unit, led by captain Pat Cummins, has provided balance in crunch moments.

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Although their playoff hopes had already ended, Delhi Capitals delivered a commanding performance in their final league-stage fixture against KKR. Playing away from home at the iconic Eden Gardens, DC produced a complete all-round effort to close their season with pride.

Opening the innings, KL Rahul provided the early fireworks with a breathtaking knock of 60 runs off just 30 deliveries. His attacking intent put Kolkata under immediate pressure and laid the perfect platform for a massive total. Axar also played an important hand in the middle overs, smashing a quickfire 39 to maintain the momentum. Veteran batter David Miller then added the finishing touches with a valuable cameo in the death overs, helping Delhi post an imposing 203/5 in 20 overs.

KKR’s chase never truly gathered momentum as DC’s bowlers remained in control throughout the innings. Mitchell Starc struck crucial blows with the new ball, while returning spinner Kuldeep Yadav made an immediate impact with a disciplined spell in the middle overs. Delhi eventually sealed a comfortable 40-run victory, giving their fans something to cheer about despite the disappointment of missing the playoffs.

After the match, Axar spoke emotionally about the campaign and the resilience shown by his squad during difficult moments. Rather than focusing solely on missed opportunities, the DC captain praised the team’s attitude and commitment till the very end. He admitted that Delhi’s season could have looked very different had a few close moments gone their way. According to Axar, the margins between qualification and elimination were extremely narrow this year.

“I am very proud that no one thought we would give up. Even when you know things are not going well, the way the team fought — I am very proud of that. If you talk about one match — if just one match had gone differently, things could have been very different,” added Axar.

Also READ: IPL 2026: Fans erupt as KL Rahul and Kuldeep Yadav shine bright in DC’s emphatic triumph against KKR