Axar Patel reveals why Sunrisers Hyderabad are favourites to win the IPL 2026 ti
A Dominant Conclusion for Delhi Capitals
The Delhi Capitals concluded their Indian Premier League 2026 campaign on a high note, securing a convincing 40-run victory against the Kolkata Knight Riders this past Sunday. While the result did not change their playoff fate, the performance served as a testament to the talent within the squad. Under the leadership of Axar Patel, the Capitals displayed clinical precision, posting a massive total of 203 runs, which proved far too much for the opposition to handle.
Axar Patel Weighs In on the Championship Race
Following the conclusion of the match, the focus shifted to the upcoming playoff battles. When pressed by the media to predict the eventual tournament winner, Axar Patel provided a candid assessment. Axar Patel reveals why Sunrisers Hyderabad are favourites to win the IPL 2026 ti, pointing to the undeniable firepower of the Pat Cummins-led side. According to the Capitals skipper, the Sunrisers possess a unique ability to dismantle bowling attacks when their top three batters find their rhythm, making them the most formidable force in the competition.
The Road Ahead for SRH
Despite their reputation as favorites, the road to the trophy is far from easy for the Men in Orange. Having narrowly missed out on a top-two finish due to an inferior net run rate, Sunrisers Hyderabad must navigate the pressure of the eliminator round. Their path to the final requires a victory over the Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming clash at the Mullanpur stadium in New Chandigarh. This high-stakes encounter is expected to test the depth and temperament of the Hyderabad squad as they look to justify the confidence placed in them by their peers.
A Look Back at the Capitals’ Final Act
The clash between the Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders provided an entertaining spectacle for fans, even though neither side remained in the playoff hunt. Delhi’s innings was anchored by a composed performance from KL Rahul, who contributed a vital 60 runs. Axar Patel himself chipped in with an aggressive 39 off just 25 deliveries, a cameo that included three boundaries and two maximums, helping push the total past the 200-run mark.
In response, Kolkata’s chase started with promise but eventually crumbled under pressure. Despite a solid opening partnership and a resilient 63 from Ajinkya Rahane, the team suffered a spectacular batting collapse. Once Rahane departed with the score at 128, the innings unraveled rapidly. The home team was eventually bowled out for 163 in the 19th over, unable to counter the disciplined bowling of the Capitals.
Bowling Heroics and Missed Opportunities
The Capitals’ bowling attack was clinical, led by Kuldeep Yadav and Lungi Ngidi, who claimed three wickets apiece. It was an evening of high drama for Kuldeep, who nearly achieved a hat-trick, only to be denied by a dropped catch from Abhishek Porel. Despite that minor lapse, the dominance shown by the bowling unit underlined why the Capitals remain a dangerous side regardless of their league position.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the first qualifier in Dharamsala between RCB and the Gujarat Titans, followed by the high-pressure eliminator. While the experts continue to debate the outcomes, the endorsement from a seasoned campaigner like Axar Patel suggests that Sunrisers Hyderabad have earned the respect of their contemporaries, setting the stage for a thrilling finale to the IPL 2026 season.
