Axar Patel Highlights Cultural Divide Between Franchise and National Cricket Teams
As he prepares for his second season leading the Delhi Capitals, all-rounder Axar Patel has made a candid observation about the inherent differences between playing for an Indian Premier League franchise and representing the national team. Speaking at the season-opening media briefing in New Delhi on Monday, Patel emphasized that expecting the same "culture" in a franchise setup as in Team India is unrealistic.
The Challenge of Blending Diverse Player Backgrounds
"Honestly, you can't expect the same culture in a franchise team," Patel stated. "There are overseas players coming in. The players are different and have different roles. Sometimes an overseas player doesn't get his preferred playing position. You have to keep every player in mind."
Despite these challenges, the Delhi Capitals captain expressed his desire to instill some of the flexibility that characterizes the Indian national team. "I'd like my Capitals team to be as flexible as our Indian team. In the Indian team, we know we have to be flexible in our roles according to the situation. We are comfortable doing it," he explained.
On India's T20 Dominance and Evolving Game Strategy
Patel also addressed India's position in T20 International cricket, choosing to downplay the notion of the current team being the "greatest T20 team ever." He remarked, "It is all about time and era. If a team's combination is set, they can do wonders. The process started before 2024. It all started in 2022."
The all-rounder highlighted the importance of adaptability for continued success. "We started playing this brand of cricket and took some tough calls. If this Indian team wants to dominate, we have to continue playing a fearless brand of cricket, changing as per the requirements of the game."
Strong Criticism of the Impact Player Rule
One of the most pointed comments from Patel came regarding the IPL's Impact Player rule. "I don't like this rule as I'm an all-rounder myself," he said bluntly. "Earlier, we used to pick all-rounders for such roles. Now, team management goes with a particular batter or bowler. They don't see the need for an all-rounder."
This rule, which allows teams to substitute a player during the match, has fundamentally changed team composition strategies and, according to Patel, devalues the traditional all-rounder role that players like him embody.
Confirmed Opening Role for KL Rahul
In team-specific news, Patel confirmed that KL Rahul will be opening the batting for Delhi Capitals this season. This marks a strategic shift from last season when the Capitals struggled with an unsettled opening pair, with Jake Fraser-McGurk enduring a difficult campaign and Rahul initially opting to bat down the order.
"Oppositions look to expose overseas batters with spin bowling in the middle overs. That's why Rahul was batting in the middle order last season," Patel explained. "But we had to adjust when the openers started to struggle and sent him where he has batted the best throughout his career. This season, he will start by opening the batting."
Mitchell Starc's Availability Pending Clearance
Regarding team composition, Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani and director of cricket Venugopal Rao provided an update on star pace bowler Mitchell Starc's status. Both confirmed that the Australian fast bowler is still awaiting his No Objection Certificate from Cricket Australia.
"Unless Cricket Australia declares that he is fit to play, there is little a franchise can do," Badani stated. Rao added, "Starc is coming. Only waiting for the clearance from CA."
As the new IPL season approaches, Patel's comments highlight the complex dynamics of franchise cricket management, where cultural cohesion must be built across nationalities and playing styles, while adapting to evolving league rules that reshape traditional player roles.
