DC Captain Avoids Match-Up Against Left-Handed Abhishek Sharma, Faces Backlash

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel avoided bowling against left-handed batter Abhishek Sharma during the IPL 2026 match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, prompting criticism from former Australian captain Aaron Finch. Finch stated that Axar’s reluctance to face Sharma reflected a lack of trust in his ability to execute under pressure, despite being a double World Cup winner and one of India’s premier spin bowlers.

Finch expressed his views on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out show, noting that Delhi Capitals possessed one of the strongest spin-bowling pairs in the IPL with Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, yet the duo bowled only four overs combined in the loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad. He questioned the decision to use part-time offspinner Nitish Rana for four overs instead of relying on the team’s premier spinners.

Finch acknowledged the tactical challenge posed by Abhishek Sharma, who was batting through the innings and eventually scored 135 not out, but maintained that it was the responsibility of the captain and senior player to back himself in such situations. He said, “As soon as a left-hander walks to the crease, not for me today, thanks. To me that says more about his attitude towards it than anything else.”

The criticism came despite Axar Patel having a favorable head-to-head record against Abhishek Sharma, which Finch noted should have given the captain confidence to employ him in the match-up. Delhi Capitals’ strategy of avoiding the left-handed batter with their frontline spinners was seen as a missed opportunity to counter Sharma’s dominance.

Abhishek Sharma’s innings of 135 not out played a pivotal role in Sunrisers Hyderabad’s victory, as he anchored the chase after an early collapse. His ability to score freely against both pace and spin left Delhi Capitals searching for answers, particularly in the middle overs where their spinners were underutilized.

The match highlighted ongoing discussions about Axar Patel’s role as a leader and bowler in high-pressure situations. While he has been a consistent performer for India in white-ball cricket, his reluctance to bowl against specific batters in the IPL has raised questions about his tactical flexibility and self-belief in franchise cricket.

As of the match date on April 22, 2026, Delhi Capitals’ loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad added to their concerns about bowling strategy and captaincy decisions, especially in matches where left-handed batters pose a significant threat. The team will need to reassess its approach to utilizing its spin resources in future encounters.