“I think SRH”: Axar Patel names winners of IPL after dominating win over KKR in
A Resounding Finish for the Capitals
The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 concluded its group stage with a high-octane encounter at the historic Eden Gardens. In a match that served as a pride-salvaging opportunity, the Delhi Capitals (DC) delivered a commanding performance to defeat the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 40 runs. Although both franchises had already been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention prior to the first ball being bowled, the competitive spirit remained palpable.
Led by Axar Patel, the Delhi Capitals entered the contest with a sense of purpose. Making strategic changes to their playing XI, the team brought in Kuldeep Yadav and Auqib Nabi, a decision that proved pivotal as Kuldeep Yadav secured the Player of the Match award against his former employers.
The Tactical Battle at Eden Gardens
Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and elected to field, hoping to capitalize on home conditions. However, the DC batting lineup had other plans. Openers KL Rahul and Abishek Porel provided a blistering start to the innings. While Porel fell for 22, Rahul continued to dominate, reaching his half-century in just 25 balls. His final score of 60 runs laid a formidable foundation for the visitors.
Middle-order contributions were equally significant, with Sahil Parakh adding a quick 24, followed by Axar Patel (39), David Miller (28), and Ashutosh (18). Collectively, the Capitals posted a challenging total of 203/5, putting significant pressure on the KKR chase.
KKR’s Collapse and DC’s Dominance
The chase began with optimism for KKR, as Ajinkya Rahane and Finn Allen started steadily. Rahane looked in sublime touch, anchoring the innings with a 31-ball fifty. Despite a brief surge, the dismissal of the KKR skipper triggered a catastrophic collapse. The Knight Riders lost 7 wickets for a mere 36 runs, eventually folding for 163. The victory served as a testament to the grit shown by the Delhi Capitals despite their difficult campaign.
Predicting the IPL Champion
Following the match, the focus shifted toward the remaining contenders in the tournament. During the post-match presentation, Axar Patel shared his assessment of the teams heading into the final stages. When asked about his prediction for the trophy, he was clear in his endorsement of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
“I think SRH”: Axar Patel names winners of IPL after dominating win over KKR in his post-match assessment, noting their incredible depth and aggressive approach. Patel highlighted that the firepower in the SRH top order makes them a formidable force, stating, “I think SRH are looking very strong. When their top 3 score runs, that team becomes very difficult to stop. So I think SRH.”
Reflecting on a Challenging Season
Despite the win, Axar Patel was candid about the broader struggles faced by his team throughout the 2026 season. He emphasized the importance of accountability, noting that the team had to “accept mistakes” to move forward. He felt that the team’s fortunes could have been significantly different had just one or two close matches gone in their favor.
Patel expressed immense pride in the way his players fought until the very end, refusing to surrender even when playoff qualification became impossible. The victory against KKR serves as a morale booster for the squad as they head into the off-season, aiming to build a more consistent foundation for the future of the franchise.
As the curtains close on the group stage for these two teams, the performance of individuals like Kuldeep Yadav and the tactical acumen displayed by the leadership provide plenty of talking points for fans and analysts alike. While the trophy remains the ultimate goal for the remaining teams, the resilience shown by Delhi in their final game ensures they end the season with heads held high.
