Axar Patel highlights team energy ahead of IPL season

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel highlighted the importance of team energy, trust and clarity ahead of the IPL season. Head coach Hemang Badani and director Venugopal Rao also stressed continuity, evolving T20 strategies and focus on building future talent

Hyderabad: Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel says that what excites him the most is the energy in the group (Capitals team).

“When players are motivated and ready to give their best, it reflects on the field. As a captain, that gives you confidence that the team is moving in the right direction and building something strong together,” Axar said at a promotional event in Delhi on Monday..

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Heading into his second season as captain, Axar spoke about the added clarity in leadership and the importance of trust within the Delhi Capitals setup.

“Second year as captain, there is more clarity in how we want to play as a team. Last season, you learn a lot about situations, about players and about yourself as a leader. Now the focus is on being positive and aggressive, but also building trust within the group. When players feel backed, performances follow and that is the environment we want to create,” Axar explained.

Reflecting on the team’s outlook, Axar reiterated that the focus remains on moving forward rather than dwelling on past results.

“As a team, we don’t sit and talk about what has happened before. Everyone knows where we could have done better, but the conversation is always about improving from here. It is about staying positive and focusing on what we can control as a group,” he added.

Head Coach Hemang Badani underlined how the evolution of the T20 format continues to shape the way teams approach the game.

“The format has evolved to a point where intent is everything. Scores of 220 or more are becoming common and teams that adapt quickly are the ones that stay ahead. It is not just about phases anymore, it is about being proactive throughout and understanding how the game is constantly changing,” Badani said.

Backing Axar’s leadership, Badani also spoke about the importance of continuity within the setup.

“He understands the environment and what it takes to lead in a tournament like this. We saw some very strong phases last season and that reflects the potential of this group. Continuity in leadership gives us a chance to build on that and move forward with more clarity,” he added.

Director of Cricket, DC (IPL), Venugopal Rao emphasised the importance of stability while also highlighting the franchise’s focus on scouting and building for the future.

“Continuity in leadership is important and Axar brings that understanding of the team and the fans. At the same time, our focus is also on building for the future. Someone like Sahil Parakh is a great example of the work being done at the scouting level. He is a young player with strong potential and these are the kind of players we want to identify and develop within Delhi Capitals,” Rao said.