Axar Patel struck an emotional note after Delhi Capitals’ win over Rajasthan Royals, dedicating the victory to two fans who lost their lives in a tragic road accident in Delhi. The DC captain’s message came moments after his side ended a tough run with a statement win in Jaipur.
The incident had cast a shadow over DC’s previous fixture. Speaking at the post-match presentation, Axar addressed the tragedy and paid his respects.
“I would just like to add that—following the tragedy involving our fans after the last match—I want to express my deepest condolences for their loss. I would like to dedicate this victory to them; they were two members of our DC family. Thank you all so much,” Axar said.
The tribute came after DC snapped their three-match losing streak with a seven-wicket win, chasing down 226 with five balls to spare, their highest successful run chase in IPL history. It was a much-needed turnaround after back-to-back setbacks, and one the team chose to dedicate to their supporters.
WHO WERE THE DC FANS WHO DIED?
The victims were two cousins, Yagya Bhatia (20) and Abhav Bhatia (14), who were returning home after the Delhi Capitals vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru match in Delhi. The two were riding a bike when they were involved in a hit-and-run incident on Ashoka Road in central Delhi.
According to police, the accident occurred near the Mahadev Road T-point when a truck ran over them while turning. The vehicle fled the scene, leaving both victims critically injured. A PCR call was received around 10.30 pm, after which they were rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, where they were declared brought dead.
Both Yagya, a BSc student, and Abhav, a Class 10 student, were residents of Ashok Nagar and active members of the ‘DC Toli’ fan group, making the loss even more personal for the franchise.
HOW DC DEFEATED RR
DC’s win over RR was both emphatic and timely. Chasing 226, they completed the highest successful run chase in their IPL history, getting there with five balls to spare and ending a three-match losing streak that included failing to defend 264 against Punjab Kings and being bowled out for 75 by Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka set the tone with a 110-run opening stand in 9.3 overs, with Nissanka scoring 62 off 33 balls and Rahul making 75 off 40. Even after Riyan Parag’s 90 had put RR in a strong position earlier, DC maintained control through the chase.
Nitish Rana added 33 off 17, while Tristan Stubbs (18) and Ashutosh Sharma (25) ensured there were no late hiccups. Ashutosh’s 16-run burst in the 18th over sealed the game, capping off a performance that gave DC something to celebrate, even as they remembered two of their own.
