Among the first-time captains in IPL, Axar Patel has often come across as the most relaxed. When Delhi Capitals lost a close game with a series of run-outs against Mumbai Indians, their skipper Axar Patel piped up in the dressing room. “ “Big smile on the face, please. It’s okay, we are allowed to lose. Don’t worry guys, cheers,” he was seen saying in a video release by the franchise. “Big smile please!” A short while earlier, during the post-game presentation, when he was asked “match kidhar gaya?’, Axar had wisecracked with a smile, “Mumbai Indians k paas”.
Delhi Capitals are the table toppers with 5 wins from 6 games. In their next game, after they won a thriller, overturning the tables on Rajasthan Royals and Axar Patel talked about his captaincy philosophy.
“I think they can tell from my face whether their captain is angry or if he’s a little serious,” Axar smiled. ”Obviously, it’s a thin line. As a captain, I have to take care of the team and the atmosphere. But at the same time, it shouldn’t appear like I’m taking it lightly. It shouldn’t be like, the captain is joking around. But I’ve drawn that line. I’ve told them that they can do what they want as long as the job is executed well on the field. Until the job isn’t done, there shouldn’t be any lazing around. I know that I have to maintain the atmosphere but also be serious at the same time. I think the key is to enjoy your cricket. I feel that you play your best cricket when you are enjoying the game. So, that’s what I’m striving for.”
Axar also stressed on the fact that he makes his own decisions. Delhi Capitals have Hemang Badani as the head coach, and has the likes of KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis as senior players.
“I’m doing whatever I feel is right and backing myself,” Axar said.” It’s not like I will listen to lots of opinions, yes I do listen to suggestions but ultimately, I have to make the decisions. It’s important for me to back myself, so that I can learn from the mistakes whenever something goes wrong. I’m enjoying (the challenge of captaincy).”When you get a chance to run the team according to your standards, and play the way you want to play cricket, if you get a chance, why to let it go? I’m enjoying both on and off the field. I’m enjoying it.”
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