Axar Patel’s Bowling Choices Under Scrutiny After DC's Loss to RCB

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel has received praise throughout IPL 2025 for his composed leadership in his debut season as skipper. But following DC’s defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday night, questions have emerged over his tactics in the closing overs — particularly regarding his choice of bowlers during the crunch moments of the match.

RCB sealed a six-wicket win with nine balls to spare at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, largely thanks to a late blitz from Tim David. But with just 38 runs needed off the final 24 balls on a tricky surface, DC still had a strong chance to close out the match. That opportunity may have slipped through their fingers due to a contentious bowling order, as pointed out by former India stars Anil Kumble, Wasim Jaffer, and Sanjay Bangar.

Death Overs Decision Raises Eyebrows

In the 17th over, Mukesh Kumar conceded 12 runs, followed by nine runs from Dushmantha Chameera in the 18th. That left RCB needing just 17 from the final two overs — a manageable but still defendable total given the slow pitch. However, instead of turning to strike bowler Mitchell Starc, Axar gave Mukesh the 19th over, a decision that backfired as Tim David pummeled him for 6, 4, 4, 4 to seal the game.

“I was surprised that he gave the ball to Mukesh and not Starc,” Kumble said on ESPNcricinfo's Time Out. “The result might have been the same, but the intent was wrong.”

Bangar echoed the sentiment, suggesting Axar might have been influenced by Starc’s heroics in a previous match where he defended nine runs in the final over against Rajasthan Royals. “It might have worked, but the thought process was wrong,” Bangar said. “Even if Starc had conceded 12, you had the option of Vipraj Nigam in the 20th over. Sometimes spinners create magic.”

Lack of Faith in Nigam?

Another talking point was the underuse of rookie legspinner Vipraj Nigam. Despite having picked up nine wickets this season at a respectable economy of 9.34, Nigam has bowled only 23 of a possible 36 overs in his nine appearances. His omission from the death overs, especially with a left-handed Krunal Pandya at the crease, seemed to reflect a lack of trust.

“I felt he [Axar] didn't show enough faith in Vipraj,” Jaffer said. “Maybe he could have been given two or three overs. That could have brought two overseas batters [David and Romario Shepherd] into play, which might have worked in DC’s favour.”

Playoff Hopes Still Alive for DC

Despite the defeat, Delhi Capitals remain in a strong position in the playoff race. With six wins from nine matches, they sit fourth on the table. Their upcoming fixtures — against Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings — offer a chance to consolidate their position before finishing the league stage with tougher matchups against Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans.

While Axar Patel's overall leadership continues to draw positive reviews, Sunday's misstep has highlighted the fine margins in T20 captaincy — and the crucial role of tactical trust, especially in young bowlers.

Axar Patel’s Bowling Choices Under Scrutiny After DC's Loss to RCB

Death Overs Decision Raises Eyebrows

Lack of Faith in Nigam?

Playoff Hopes Still Alive for DC

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