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Axar Patel Urges Unity After DC's Back-to-Back IPL Losses: 'Games Don't Define Us'

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel delivered a motivational speech to his team following a 23-run loss to Chennai Super Kings, their second consecutive defeat. He emphasized that a couple of losses do not define the team and highlighted the positive of playing good cricket. In the match, CSK's formidable total was built on a brilliant century from Sanju Samson and a half-century from Ayush Mhatre. Despite fighting knocks from Pathum Nissanka and Tristan Stubbs, DC fell short as their batting lacked consistent support.

Key Points: Axar Patel Motivates DC After Loss to CSK in IPL 2026

  • DC started season with two wins
  • Lost two close matches in a row
  • Axar stresses team unity and trust
  • CSK posts 212/2 led by Samson
  • DC to face RCB next
3 min read

'One or two games don't define us': DC skipper Axar motivates teammates after back-to-back losses

DC skipper Axar Patel rallies team after consecutive defeats, emphasizing unity and trust. Read his dressing room pep talk and match highlights.

"This one or two games doesn't define us. - Axar Patel"

Chennai, April 12

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel motivated the players in the dressing room after they suffered a 23-run loss against five-time champions Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2026 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Delhi Capitals kicked off their season with back-to-back victories over Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians, impressing with both their strong batting lineup and disciplined bowling attack. However, their winning momentum was halted in their third match, where they fell agonisingly short, losing by just one run to the Gujarat Titans, and now they have suffered another defeat on Saturday against CSK.

"I want to say as a team, yes, we want to win. That time we were also together, we lost to them. So we lost together. As a team, I think this one or two games doesn't define us. And it's okay, we lost the game. But for me, the positive point was that we are playing good cricket," Axar said in a dressing room video released by Delhi Capitals on X.

Axar also urged the players to maintain unity in the team and trust each other to do the job. "Things that doesn't come our way, when that kicks, this team looks scary. But for that, we have to stay together. We are talking about stay together, trust in each other. Now is the time we have to stay together and come together and start again."

Speaking of the match, CSK were put in to bat first by DC and delivered a commanding performance. Sanju Samson led from the front with an unbeaten 115 off 56 balls, smashing 15 fours and four sixes, while Ayush Mhatre chipped in with a fluent 59 off 36 balls, including three fours and four sixes. Their efforts powered CSK to a formidable 212 for 2 in 20 overs.

In response, Pathum Nissanka scored 41 off 24 balls with five fours and two sixes and shared a 62-run stand with KL Rahul. Tristan Stubbs played a fighting knock of 60 off 30 balls, but DC lacked support from the rest of the batting unit. Overton was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets for 18 runs, while Kamboj claimed three for 35, striking at regular intervals to keep DC in check.

With this win, CSK moved to ninth place with one victory and three defeats, while DC remained fourth with two wins and two losses. Delhi Capitals (DC) will next face Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 18, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good leadership from Axar. It's easy to get demoralized after close losses. The team spirit he's talking about is crucial. But honestly, the middle order collapse is a worry. Need more consistency from Rahul and others.
V
Vikram M
Chasing 213 at Chepauk is never easy, especially against CSK. Samson was on fire! Our bowling was a bit expensive. Need to work on death overs. But yes, two losses don't make a bad team. Support from Delhi! 🏏
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, while the captain's speech is positive, the team needs to address the issues. Conceding 212 and then having a batting collapse shows a pattern. "Playing good cricket" needs to translate to winning key moments. Hope they bounce back against RCB.
R
Rohit P
The fight is there, I agree. Losing by 1 run and then putting up a fight against CSK shows character. But IPL is about points on the table. Need to win the close games. Big match coming up in Bengaluru!
N
Nisha Z
Axar's calmness is his strength. Team needs that after back-to-back losses. But yaar, the fielding could be sharper? A couple of dropped chances maybe? Anyway, all the best for the next game. #DilSeDC ❤️

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