“I think SRH”: Axar Patel names winners of IPL after dominating win over KKR in – I think SRH: Axar Patel names winners of IPL after dominating win over KKR in IPL 2026

A Resilient Finish for Delhi Capitals

In the final group stage encounter of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) played host to the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the iconic Eden Gardens. While both teams entered the match already eliminated from playoff contention, the intensity remained high. Axar Patel’s side delivered a clinical performance, securing a 40-run victory to finish their season on a positive trajectory.

Tactical Battles at Eden Gardens

KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and elected to field, keeping his side unchanged. Conversely, Axar Patel opted for strategic adjustments, bringing in Kuldeep Yadav and Auqib Nabi. The decision proved inspired, as Kuldeep Yadav delivered a masterful performance, earning the Player of the Match award against his former franchise.

Batting first, the Delhi Capitals saw their openers, KL Rahul and Abishek Porel, provide a blistering start. While Porel fell for 22, the momentum did not dip. Sahil Parakh contributed a quick 24, while KL Rahul anchored the innings with a brilliant 25-ball half-century. Rahul ultimately departed for 60, providing a solid platform that allowed the middle order to flourish. Contributions from Axar Patel (39), David Miller (28), and Ashutosh (18) propelled the Capitals to a commanding total of 203/5.

The Collapse of the Knight Riders

Chasing 204 for victory, the Kolkata Knight Riders began with intent through Ajinkya Rahane and Finn Allen. Despite the positive start, Allen was dismissed for 20, and while Manish Pandey chipped in with 25, the pressure of the required run rate began to mount. Rahane played a captain’s knock, reaching his second half-century of the season in 31 balls.

However, the game turned on its head following the dismissal of Rahane for 63. KKR suffered a dramatic collapse, losing 7 wickets for just 36 runs. The Delhi Capitals’ bowling unit exploited the middle-order fragility, bundling KKR out for 163 to seal a comprehensive win.

Axar Patel’s Post-Match Reflections

Reflecting on the campaign, Axar Patel expressed pride in his team’s character despite the early exit. He emphasized that the group refused to give up, even when mathematical qualification became impossible. “I am very proud of the way the team fought,” Patel noted. “Things were not going well, but the effort in the last matches was exemplary.”

Patel pointed out that the season often hinges on fine margins. He suggested that if just one or two results had swung in their favor, the narrative surrounding the Delhi Capitals would be drastically different today. He stressed the importance of accepting mistakes and using them as a catalyst for future development.

Predicting the IPL Champion

The most intriguing part of the post-match presentation came when Axar Patel was asked to name his favorites for the title. Offering his expert analysis on the remaining contenders, he identified Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as the team to beat. “I think SRH are looking very strong,” Patel remarked. “When their top three score runs, that team becomes very difficult to stop. So, I think SRH will win their second trophy.”

As the tournament heads into its final stages, Patel’s endorsement of SRH highlights the immense firepower they possess at the top of their order. Whether the Sunrisers can live up to this expectation remains to be seen, but for the Delhi Capitals, the season concludes with a win that provides a vital morale boost heading into the next year. Both teams will now look toward the auction and squad restructuring to build on the lessons learned during this challenging 2026 campaign.

Key Takeaways from the Final Match

• Kuldeep Yadav’s Return: A standout performance that proved his class against his former team.
• Batting Depth: The ability of the DC middle order to maintain the scoring rate after a strong start from the openers.
• KKR’s Final Collapse: A reminder of the volatility in T20 cricket when a batting lineup loses early momentum.
• Title Favorites: Axar Patel’s bold prediction favors the explosive batting lineup of SRH.