IPL 2023: Not David Warner but Axar Patel proving to be Delhi Capitals’ batting mainstay

Delhi Capitals captain David Warner has 3 half-centuries in 4 matches in IPL 2023 but it’s safe to say that despite averaging 52.25 with the bat, the Aussie’s strike rate of 115 has left a lot to be desired.

While it’s true that Warner has gone into a shell this IPL, owing to the fact that other batters have struggled, vice-captain Axar Patel deserves plaudits for how he is leading the way in terms of impact with the bat.

Warner’s 47-ball 51 was no match for what Axar did against the Mumbai Indians. With the Capitals’ skipper struggling to find the big hits, it was the 29-year-old’s 54 off 25 that proved to be the difference between a paltry 130-score and the 172 they finally managed at the end.

Even in the game against the Gujarat Titans, it was Axar’s 36 off 22 that saw the Capitals reach a respectable 162, though Delhi lost that game as well.

Warner does feature among the top run-getters this season, but he’s looked like a shadow of his former self, and it’s Axar who’s proving his worth with the bat.