Back-to-back fifties in T20 cricket usually cement a batter’s place in the XI. But for Delhi Capitals, things are not that straightforward.
Captain Axar Patel made it clear that flexibility remains central to their approach, even as Sameer Rizvi continues to make a compelling case for a fixed role.
“No, obviously in T20 cricket, flexibility is very important – how you approach the game. If you feel you have players who can play freely and adapt anywhere, and when the pitch behaves differently, you can use those players accordingly. So it’s about being open-minded. It’s not like sending someone up the order will suddenly change everything. It’s just about making tactical moves, and if they work, they work.”
This stance gains context from how the game against Mumbai Indians unfolded.
Chasing 163, DC once again suffered a top-order wobble, much like their season opener. But Rizvi, coming in as the Impact Substitute ahead of Ashutosh Sharma, turned the game decisively.
He first stitched a 66-run stand with Pathum Nissanka (44 off 30), steadying the innings, before taking complete control of the chase. Rizvi’s 90 off 51 balls, laced with seven fours and seven sixes, ensured DC got home with 11 balls to spare, with David Miller providing support at the end.
RIZVI STAKES HIS CLAIM
Initially playing second fiddle to Nissanka, Rizvi shifted gears after the latter’s dismissal and dismantled the bowling attack.
He plundered 20 runs off an over from Corbin Bosch and followed it up by smashing consecutive sixes off Mayank Markande to seize control. Though he fell short of a maiden IPL hundred, the knock earned him a standing ovation.
His performances come in contrast to expectations around Ashutosh, who had impressed in a finishing role last season but has had to wait for opportunities this time.
Axar reiterated that such calls are purely situational.
“No, obviously, when planning happens – when you practice together and play cricket together – Ashu is also batting really well. But it’s about which player you need on a particular day. If that player delivers for you at that time, then it’s great. For me, it’s actually a good problem to have, that I have to choose. I think it shows how strong our bench strength is.”
Earlier in the game, DC’s bowlers had laid the foundation for the win by restricting Mumbai to 162 for six.
Stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings with a 51, while Rohit Sharma made 35. However, regular wickets ensured MI never broke free.
Axar led from the front with the ball, conceding just 22 runs in his four overs and dismissing Rohit at a crucial juncture. Mukesh Kumar struck early to remove Ryan Rickelton and Tilak Varma in quick succession, while T Natarajan and Lungi Ngidi chipped in at the death.
Reflecting on the team’s approach this season, Axar also stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in a long tournament.
“Basically, I feel taking it one game at a time is very important. When you’re winning continuously, maintaining that momentum is crucial. Because whenever there’s a break and the momentum stops, making a comeback in a tournament like the IPL – which is a long tournament—becomes difficult. So you focus on one game, do well, and then move on without thinking too much about the past. That’s how I feel we’ve got a good start this time, and we won’t repeat last year’s mistakes.”
With consecutive wins to start their campaign and multiple players stepping up, DC’s flexibility-first approach is already delivering results.
