IPL 2025: Axar Patel hails Kuldeep, Vipraj and Rahul after win against RCB

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel showered praise on the trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Vipraj Nigam and KL Rahul after they registered a six-wicket win against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Thursday.

Not only Nigam and Kuldeep bagged two wickets apiece but also bowled economical spells after Patel decided to bowl first. While Nigam conceded only 18 runs in his four overs, Kuldeep gave away 17 runs in his fine spell and thus the spin duo played a key role in restricting RCB to 163.

On the other hand, Delhi Capitals lost three early wickets and were reduced to 30-3 in the run-chase of 164. However, KL Rahul continued his rich form, scoring an unbeaten knock of 93 runs off just 53 balls with the help of seven fours and six sixes to help his team get over the line. Moreover, Tristan Stubbs also played a crucial knock of 38 runs off 23 balls.

Patel said the team is confident after they have won four matches on the bounce and remain the only unbeaten team in the tournament.

Axar Patel said in the post-match presentation, “The way the team is playing, everyone is confident and feels good to win four out of four. They like facing pacers, so I felt using spin early was a good option. The ball was stopping and there was some bounce as well, so I felt it was hard to hit spinners in the powerplay. The 19th over by me was perhaps a mistake tactically. But it’s okay since we have won.”

He added, “The way they are bowling – Kuldeep has been doing it for years, but a special word for Vipraj. The way he bowled, even in the 18th over, he was confident. My job becomes easy with someone like Rahul in the order. I’ve also been used as a floater before, so I know it’s not easy. To have someone like him is great. He played a mature innings and is continuing the form from the Champions Trophy.”

Delhi Capitals will next take on Mumbai Indians at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Sunday.