Cricket News

Rehan Ahmed Trolls Axar Patel Over Delhi Capitals’ Chaotic IPL Form

Zayn Kapoor · · 4 min read
1777438432506 Rehan Ahmed and Axar Patel

A Spicy Start for Rehan Ahmed at Delhi Capitals

When a new player joins a team, the expected script usually involves humble beginnings, praising the team culture, and expressing excitement about the opportunity. However, England’s young spin sensation Rehan Ahmed has decided to throw the script out the window. Having flown into India as the replacement for Ben Duckett, Ahmed has arrived at the Delhi Capitals (DC) camp with a level of confidence and wit that is already causing a stir within the squad.

Before even making his maiden IPL appearance, Ahmed has managed to drop a social media bomb on his new captain, Axar Patel. In an era where behind-the-scenes team interactions are gold for fans on social media, a Snapchat video shared by teammate Sameer Rizvi has gone viral, capturing a moment of brutal honesty—wrapped in sarcasm—about the team’s current campaign.

The ’70-Remark’ That Set the Internet Ablaze

The interaction took place inside the team bus, a setting usually reserved for tactical discussions or quiet naps. In the video, Sameer Rizvi asks Ahmed about his initial experiences with the Delhi Capitals. Rather than giving a diplomatic answer, the 21-year-old England youngster opted for a sarcastic jab at the team’s extreme inconsistency.

With a smirk, Rehan replied: “Very good, one game 260 and one game 70.”

The remark immediately sent Rizvi into fits of laughter, as Ahmed perfectly encapsulated the emotional rollercoaster that DC fans have been riding. The “70” reference was a direct shot at one of the most humbling days in the franchise’s history.

The Nightmare Against RCB: A Historic Collapse

To understand why Ahmed’s comment was so cutting, one only needs to look back at the match on April 27 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). It was a day that Delhi Capitals would likely prefer to erase from their memory. In a catastrophic batting collapse, DC was bundled out for a meager 75 runs.

The horror began early, as the team struggled mightily, losing six wickets while the scoreboard barely moved, sitting at a dismal 8 runs. While Abishek Porel and David Miller offered some brief resistance to ensure the team didn’t break the record for the lowest score ever (RCB’s shameful 49-run all-out), it was far from enough.

The humiliation continued as the Rajat Patidar-led RCB side chased down the target in just 6.3 overs, marking one of the fastest and most dominant chases in the history of the Indian Premier League.

The Irony of the 264-Run Total

The other half of Ahmed’s joke—the “260”—referred to the match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 25 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. On the surface, this game looked like a triumph. DC posted a mammoth total of 264 runs, powered by sensational knocks from KL Rahul and Nitish Rana.

However, in a cruel twist of fate, a massive score didn’t guarantee a win. Axar Patel’s men suffered a defensive meltdown as Punjab Kings chased down the target in 18.5 overs. The bowling attack struggled to contain the flow of runs, with Auqib Nabi proving expensive by conceding 41 runs in just two overs. Veteran Mukesh Kumar fared even worse, leaking 55 runs across three wicketless overs.

Can DC Bounce Back Against Rajasthan Royals?

The statistics paint a worrying picture for Axar Patel and his squad. Out of eight matches played, the Capitals have managed only three wins, leaving them with six points. While the season began with promise, the team has spiraled into a three-match losing streak that has put their playoff hopes in jeopardy.

All eyes now turn to May 1, when Delhi Capitals face the Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur. This clash is more than just another game; it is potentially their last stand in the race for the playoffs. Fans are eager to see if the team can find stability—and whether the outspoken Rehan Ahmed will finally make his debut on the field to turn those sarcastic remarks into match-winning performances.

  • Current Record: 8 Matches, 3 Wins, 6 Points
  • Next Opponent: Rajasthan Royals (May 1, Jaipur)
  • Key Concern: Inconsistent bowling and fragile top-order collapses
Zayn Kapoor

Zayn Kapoor is a senior cricket correspondent for The Indian Express, acclaimed for his incisive coverage of the sport’s most electric rivalry: India versus Pakistan. An alumnus of Hindu College, University of Delhi, he began his career on the domestic circuit before quickly establishing himself as a sharp analyst and a gifted storyteller. Zayn’s work is defined by his ability to bridge two cricketing cultures; his features often explore the shared histories, mutual admiration, and occasional tensions that make India‑Pakistan contests unrivalled. He has a deep technical grasp of fast bowling and has interviewed some of the greatest pacers from both sides of the border. A recipient of the Sardar Hazara Singh Award and a regular face on television panels, Zayn brings nuance, empathy, and a historian’s eye to every piece he writes. He is also a passionate advocate for preserving cricket’s oral histories and grassroots traditions.