‘Axar Patel should be appointed the captain’ - Sunil Gavaskar suggests captaincy change for Delhi Capitals that could benefit India ahead

The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 got off to the worst of starts for the David Warner-led Delhi Capitals. The team lost their first five games at the tournament before winning two games consecutively. However, despite their poor form, one of the most consistent factors in their showings have been the performances of Indian all-rounder, Axar Patel.

The 29-year-old has been in good form for DC through the IPL 2023 season so far. Seeing his excellent form, the legendary Indian cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar, came forward and opined that Axar should be named the captain of Delhi instead of David Warner. He even went on to say that the national team could really benefit from Axar becoming the skipper.

"I believe Axar Patel should be appointed the captain of Delhi Capitals. He is an honest player. He's in a good rhythm. The Indian team can benefit from him being named the captain of the franchise and performing well. All these things should be done in a long run," Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports Cricket Live.

Axar Patel was named Player of the Match in DC’s win over the SRH

Talking about Axar’s performances, the Indian all-rounder lit the stage on fire in Delhi’s previous game when they took on the Aiden Markram-led Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 34th game of the tournament on Monday, April 24. Batting first, Axar was the highest run-getter for Delhi alongside Manish Pandey, as he amassed 34 runs in just as many deliveries. After the side posted 144 runs on the board after the first innings, it was time for the 29-year-old to perform with the ball, and he delivered.

During the run chase, Axar Patel was influential for Delhi. He took two wickets, dismissing Mayank Agarwal and Aiden Markram. Furthermore, he conceded just 21 runs in the four overs he bowled. His performances helped the Delhi Capitals limit Sunrisers Hyderabad to a total of 137 runs, consequently, winning the game by seven runs. Despite the win, DC are placed last on the IPL points table with four points from seven matches. On the other hand, SRH are placed ninth in the standings with four points in seven matches as well.