Former Indian Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara praised Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel after they claimed a thrilling three-wicket win against Punjab Kings at Dharamshala on Monday in the ongoing IPL 2026.

Patel, who has had a quiet IPL with the bat, scored a fine knock of 56 runs off 30 balls with the help of eight fours and two sixes in the run chase of 211. However, Patel had the rub of the green on his side as he was dropped by Suryansh Shedge when he was on 25. 

Patel had a quiet tournament thus far but he was able to play a captain’s knock when his team needed the most. Pujara praised Patel for approaching his knock in a perfect way.

Cheteshwar Pujara said on Star Sports, “The way Axar approached his batting in this innings was perfect. He is a batter who has to play aggressively. He can’t play like a normal batter. He is a hard hitter, and that’s how he has scored his runs throughout his career. But this season, his intent has been to rotate strike and try to play like a batter who gets set and then attacks.”

“He used to come at No.5 mainly to take on the spinners. And he has the potential to take on the seamers as well. That’s why he has to play aggressively anytime he walks in to bat. When he tries to rotate the strike and is tentative, that’s when he gets out. Defense is not his strength.”

On the other hand, former South African wicket-keeper bat Mark Boucher said David Miller’s presence is really important for Delhi Capitals. Miller scored a fantastic knock of 51 runs off 28 balls agianst PBKS.

“Miller’s presence in the middle order is so important. Axar came out with a lot of intent today, knowing he has Miller and Ashutosh behind him. Because of that, Axar came out and looked to score from ball one. He batted with great intent throughout and set the tone for the chase, especially after the three wickets they lost in the powerplay,” said Boucher (via the aforementioned source).

With this win, Delhi Capitals were able to stay afloat in the tournament.