11 May,2026 07:52 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Axar Patel (Pic: File Pic)
In the IPL 2026 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS), Delhi Capitals' (DC) Axar Patel has won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala.
The Capitals have entered the clash with three changes, where Sahil Parakh comes in place of Sameer Rizvi, and David Miller replaces Pathum Nissanka. Vipraj Nigam will also make way for Madhav Tiwari.
After winning the toss, DC's skipper Axar said, "We will be bowling. That's the only thing going right (winning 9 out of 12 tosses). (The situation has become very tight?) Yeah, obviously, that is correct, even in the match, the crucial moments have been lost - in batting, bowling, and fielding. Otherwise, we have not played that bad a cricket. (Mathematically, it is still possible to qualify, so what is the thinking and what is the conversation before this match?) No, before this match, it is [about] thinking that we will play our cricket. You know, mathematically, we don't have to depend on the other teams. We will play our brand of cricket, and whatever the result is, we will take it as a team. When you win, you enjoy it. So, whenever you have time, you should enjoy it, and this is what we are talking about".
"(You have won matches by chasing - is that the reason to bowl first?) No, basically, it is fresh cricket and in Dharamshala, this has been a high-scoring round. So, it is fresh cricket, and we don't know what will happen. The swing is also available for the fast bowlers. So, we are thinking that if we bat first, we will get a pitch idea, so we are chasing. (Changes?) There are five changes, so Abhishek Porel, Sahil Parakh is playing, David Miller is playing, Auqib Nabi is playing, and Madhav Tiwari is playing," he added.
On the other hand, the Kings have made one change where Ben Dwarshuis will make his appearance by replacing Lockie Ferguson.
PBKS' captain Shreyas Iyer said, "Honestly speaking, I've got no idea how the wicket has been playing so far in the IPL unless you play on it. So whatever comes, I think you've got to put your best foot forward and go ahead. Personally, I don't think you need to focus much on the points table. You focus on the smaller details you've been handling throughout the season: focusing on yourselves and the ability of every individual responsible for winning the matches. And just backing your instincts, I think that's what we've been lacking in the last couple of games: Players haven't been trusting their instincts, playing to their best ability, or handling the pressure. (On playing against Instinct) Not at all, it doesn't shift your mindset. It just teaches you a lot. And I feel in this particular tournament, there are going to be ups and downs and how quickly you turn back and get the best performance is what matters. Ben Dwarshius comes in place of Lockie Ferguson, who has a slight niggle".
Punjab Kings: Prabhsimran Singh (WK), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer (C), Suryansh Shedge, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Marco Jansen, Ben Dwarshuis, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.
Delhi Capitals: Abhishek Porel, KL Rahul (WK), Sahil Parakh, Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Axar Patel (C), Madhav Tiwari, Mukesh Kumar, Auqib Nabi, Lungi Ngidi, Mitchell Starc.
