‘We have to hold him back sometimes’ – Delhi Capitals assistant coach Pravin Amre reveals reason behind Axar Patel’s batting position

The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 got off to the worst of starts for the David Warner-led Delhi Capitals. Having played eight games in the T20 carnival so far, Delhi have only managed to win on two occasions and have lost six.

However, despite a rocky performance in the season thus far, the one consistent factor for the struggling side has been the performance of India all-rounder Axar Patel.

On the back of excellent performances in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Axar has been in good form in the ongoing IPL as well. Having scored 211 runs and snared seven wickets in eight games, the 29-year-old has been one of the best performers for Delhi, which has made many people question his position in the batting order of the side.

Delhi Capitals’ assistant coach Pravin Amre recently came to the front to address the questions raised by the experts. With many opining that Axar should be given more overs to bat, Amre stated that they need the all-rounder as a finisher for the side.

“Axar has the ability to finish the game. We need someone to play the finisher’s role. He has struck the highest number of sixes for us this season. Therefore, we have to hold him back sometimes so that he can play the finisher’s role in the batting order,” Amre said in a press conference ahead of their clash against the defending champions.

It’s going to be challenging for us to play against Gujarat: Amre

For Delhi Capitals’ next assignment, the side will be travelling to Ahmedabad as they take on the defending champions Gujarat Titans in the 44th game of the tournament. Coming off three consecutive wins, Gujarat would be keen on maintaining their winning ways.

Ahead of their clash against GT, Amre opined on what the team would look to change and how big of a challenge it could prove to be.

He said, “It’s going to be challenging for us to play against Gujarat. But you never know what can happen in the IPL. We have to stay in the present and focus on taking the two points in our next game. Our middle order has to bat better, and we’ll look to improve our batting in the death overs.”