Finch Slams Axar's 'Nonsense' Bowling Call vs SRH, Questions Attitude

Former Australian captain Aaron Finch has strongly criticized Delhi Capitals' decision to have frontline spinner Axar Patel bowl only two overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Finch expressed bewilderment that part-time off-spinner Nitish Rana bowled his full quota instead. He suggested Axar's reluctance to bowl to left-handers, even after taking a wicket, points to a deeper issue with attitude and self-trust under pressure. SRH capitalized on the situation, posting 242 runs and winning the match by 47 runs.

Key Points: Aaron Finch Criticizes Axar Patel's Bowling Decision in IPL

  • Finch criticizes Axar's 2-over spell
  • Questions use of part-time bowler Rana
  • Suggests a problem with Axar's mindset
  • SRH posts 242 to win by 47 runs
2 min read

'It makes no sense': Finch slams Axar's bowling call against SRH

Aaron Finch questions Delhi Capitals' tactics as Axar Patel bowls only 2 overs against SRH, calling the move senseless and a mindset issue.

"To me, that makes no sense. - Aaron Finch"

New Delhi, April 22

Former Australian captain Aaron Finch has criticised Axar Patel for bowling just two overs while allowing part-time Nitish Rana to complete his full quota during Delhi Capitals' clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

With several left-handers in SRH's top order, Delhi opted to use Rana's off-spin. However, despite conceding 55 runs in his four overs, only his 27th bowling outing in IPL history, the move raised eyebrows. Meanwhile, frontline spinners Axar and Kuldeep Yadav bowled just two overs each.

Finch was openly critical of the decision, saying, "We've been sitting there scratching our heads, haven't we? Your two Indian premier spin bowlers, Axar Patel, the skipper, and Kuldeep Yadav, bowled four overs between them. A part-time offspinner in Nitish Rana has wheeled out four overs. To me, that makes no sense," he told ESPNcricinfo.

He further questioned Axar's reluctance to bowl to left-handers, even after dismissing Travis Head, suggesting it reflects an issue with mindset.

"It's the responsibility of your captain, your senior player, your retained player, your best bowler, an Indian bowler, he's one of your core bowlers in the Indian cricket team. That's no small bit. He's a double World Cup winner. So the fact that he doesn't trust himself to execute under pressure and to defend himself against any left handers, as soon as a left hander walks to the crease, not for me today, thanks. To me, that says more about his attitude towards it than anything else," he added.

In the match, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a massive 242 in their 20 overs with the help of a brilliant unbeaten century of Abhishek Sharma. Delhi Capitals fell short in the chase, managing 195 and losing the game by 47 runs.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
I think we should be careful about taking criticism from an Australian player too seriously. The dynamics in the middle are different. Maybe Axar saw something we didn't? But yes, on paper, it looks very strange.
V
Vikram M
This is the problem with making an all-rounder the captain. His own game gets affected. Axar is a brilliant player, but maybe the pressure of leadership is making him second-guess his primary skill. DC needs to sort this out fast.
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Anjali F
Yaar, 242 runs! The bowling was a disaster overall. Focusing only on Axar's two overs is missing the point. The fielding was lazy, the death bowling was terrible. It was a collective failure. 🤦‍♀️
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Karthik V
Finch's point about mindset is key. Indian players, especially spinners, are known for their fighting spirit. If a World Cup winner like Axar is hesitating, it sends a wrong message to the whole team. Hope he bounces back stronger.
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Priya S
Where was the coach and support staff in all this? The captain makes the final call, but surely someone in the dugout should have pointed out that your main bowlers need to bowl. The management also needs to take responsibility.

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