IPL 2025: Starc Praises Axar Patel's Composure After DC's Victory
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Synopsis
Mitchell Starc commended Axar Patel's composure after Delhi Capitals achieved a thrilling one-wicket victory against Lucknow Super Giants in their IPL 2025 opener. Starc's impressive bowling figures and key contributions from Ashutosh Sharma and others were crucial in the match held in Visakhapatnam.
Key Takeaways
- Mitchell Starc praised Axar Patel for his calm leadership.
- Starc's bowling figures were impressive at 3-42.
- Ashutosh Sharma was named Player of the Match.
- Delhi Capitals overcame a shaky start to secure victory.
- Sunil Gavaskar believes Rishabh Pant will improve in future matches.
New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) Australia and Delhi Capitals (DC) fast bowler Mitchell Starc has praised captain Axar Patel for his composure following a nail-biting one-wicket triumph over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their IPL 2025 opener held in Visakhapatnam on Monday.
Starc achieved impressive figures of 3-42 in his four-over spell, successfully limiting LSG to 209/8 despite explosive performances from Mitchell Marsh (36-ball 72) and Nicholas Pooran (30-ball 70).
In response, Delhi Capitals faced a shaky beginning, losing wickets frequently, but Ashutosh Sharma’s remarkable innings proved pivotal, as he scored an unbeaten 66 off 31 balls with five sixes and equally as many fours, earning him the Player of the Match title.
Axar also made a valuable contribution with a brisk 22 off 11 balls, while Tristan Stubbs added a vital 34 before debutant Vipraj Nigam contributed 39 off 15 balls in a crucial partnership during a tense moment.
"He's been remarkably calm. This is my first experience sharing a dressing room with him. Observing him from the other side of the pitch, it’s impressive how he has evolved into such a dominant all-rounder in international cricket today. The intent he showed with the bat was essential in setting us on our path. He’s been fantastic," Starc commented on JioHotstar.
"We also have Faf Du Plessis, who has vast captaincy experience in both international and franchise cricket. Our team boasts a great mix of senior players - experienced leaders like Faf and Tristan Stubbs, who have been with this team for a considerable time. There's a wealth of knowledge within our group.
"With Axar, his cool, calm, and collected demeanor is clear. I hope that influences the rest of the team. Matches like tonight - where we dig deep and secure victory - will only fortify our resolve moving forward," he added.
Legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar expressed his belief that LSG captain Rishabh Pant will bounce back with a better performance in upcoming matches after his unfortunate six-ball duck in his opening match for the new franchise.
“He understands the situation. He mentioned in the post-match interview that you often learn more from your mistakes than from your successes. When you perform well, there’s little to reflect on, but when you don’t, you understand what needs improvement," he stated.
"This is just the first match, and there are 13 more to follow. Rishabh Pant is a smart cricketer, and he will have gained valuable insights regarding his batting and captaincy. I foresee an improved performance from him. Additionally, when a captain scores runs or takes wickets, it significantly boosts their confidence in making bowling adjustments and setting the field. Once he finds his rhythm, I expect his captaincy to become more assured," Gavaskar concluded.
