'We All Wanted Axar Patel to...': Sehwag Ridicules DC's Batting Collapse vs GT
Axar Patel scored 27 of 30 balls against GT (IPLT20.com)
Delhi Capitals' (DC) dismal run of form continued in the ongoing Indian Premier League, as their top order collapsed in a heap against a fiery spell from Mohammed Shami, leaving them reeling at 28 for 5 within the powerplay overs.
The eventual total of 130 for 8 fell well short of a competitive score, prompting former batting stalwart Virender Sehwag to lambast the team's performance.
In an interview with Cricbuzz following Delhi's innings, Sehwag expressed his frustration at the team management's failure to heed the popular demand of promoting Axar Patel up the batting order.
Although Patel did come in to bat in the fourth over, the Indian veteran believed that his potential was curtailed due to the early loss of wickets, thereby increasing the pressure on the young all-rounder. According to him, the southpaw would have scored a substantial 60-70 runs, but the situation did not permit it.
“We all wanted Axar Patel to come in early to bat, so he did. Yes he batted at the same position, but came in the fourth over. But while we expected that he would come early and score 60-70 runs, that didn't happen because he too was under pressure as a lot of wickets had already fallen,” said Sehwag.
The legendary opener also commented on Priyam Garg's run-out mix-up with David Warner, stating that Garg's decision to sacrifice his wicket would have allowed Warner to score more runs and take the team to a more respectable total.
“Priyam Garg should have sacrificed his wicket because Warner would have scored runs for Delhi, he is the batter in form, and would have taken Delhi to a respectable total,” added the Indian stalwart.
Despite the paltry total, Delhi's bowlers displayed tremendous grit and determination to restrict the defending champions to 125 for 6. The match was in the balance with just 12 runs required off the last over, but the experienced Ishant Sharma held his nerve and conceded just six runs, securing Delhi's third win of the season and keeping their playoff hopes alive.
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