'We have a good option with Axar' - Pravin Amre opens up on Delhi Capitals mulling over giving star all-rounder Axar Patel more prominent role with bat

Delhi Capitals (DC) assistant coach Pravin Amre said that the team may consider giving Axar Patel a more prominent role with the bat in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). The David Warner-led side has had a poor start to the season, having lost all three games they have played so far. On Tuesday, April 11, they will face the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 16th match of the IPL 2023, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. 

Since DC's batting has been a significant failure, Amre believes they have a good option with Axar, who has been with Delhi for five years. He also mentioned his impressive batting during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which ended in March. He went on to say that the squad is considering how to employ the southpaw in the forthcoming games.

"We have a good option with Axar. He has been with us for five years now. The way he has batted for India was remarkable. He is a candidate, especially since he is a left-hander. It's been on our minds on how we can utilize him best," Amre said during the pre-match press conference.

Prithvi is a capable batter, It's a matter of where he clicks: Amre

The Delhi Capitals' assistant coach, Pravin Amre also believes that Prithvi Shaw, who is currently out of form, will perform well in the upcoming matches of the IPL 2023. The 54-year-old stated that the DC opener has the potential as a batter and his team still believes in him and backs him to come good ahead. Notably, Shaw has struggled with the bat so far, having scored only 19 runs in three innings.
 
"Prithvi is a capable batter. But yes, he hasn't delivered according to our expectations. We are hopeful that he will deliver for us in the coming matches. We all know that he has the ability, it's a matter of where he clicks," Amre added.

Furthermore, Amre also iterated that DC need to work on their power play game with the bat, as the team has recorded power play scores of 47/2, 52/2, and 38/3 through the last three games. He also stated that if the first four batters score, the team will shift gears and they will look at who can score those runs. Except for Warner, none of the top-order batters have spent a considerable time on the crease in DC's three games. Despite having scored two half-centuries, the Australian has scored at a slow strike rate of 117.04, which is unlikely for a player of his stature.