IPL 2024: Dropped catches hurt us – Axar Patel after loss against RCB

Delhi Capitals stand-in captain Axar Patel admitted that dropped catches cost them the game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru as they suffered a 47-run loss at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru on Sunday. RCB posted a par score of 187 runs on the board after Patel decided to bowl first.

DC fielders could not grab their chances and it led to their downfall. Will Jacks was dropped by Axar Patel when he was on 19 whereas Rajat Patidar received a reprieve when Shai Hope fluffed an easy catch at long-on when the right-hander was batting on 42.

Patidar received another life at 47 as Patel once again could not hang onto his chance whereas Tristan Stubbs failed to get himself in a good position after Jacks mistimed his heave. The dropped catches proved costly as Patidar scored 52 whereas Will Jacks added 41 off 29 balls.

On the other hand, Delhi Capitals was skittled out for 140 runs as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals and failed to get any impetus into their innings.

DC lost four wickets in the first 21 balls and thus they were always chasing the game from there on. Patel scored a decent knock of 57 runs off 39 balls but none of the other batters could go past the 30-run mark.

Axar Patel said after the loss, “Dropped catches hurt us. Could’ve restricted them to 150. When you lose four wickets in powerplay, you’re always chasing the game. 160-170 would’ve been a par score. The pitch was two-paced. Some were skidding, and some were holding. When your main players are run out and you lose four in the powerplay, you’re chasing the game. Anything can happen, but haven’t thought that far ahead.”

Delhi Capitals also missed the services of their captain Rishabh Pant, who was suspended for one game due to slow overrate.

DC will play their last league match of the season against Lucknow Super Giants at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Tuesday.