Ashwin lunges at Axar’s skipper (Screengrab/X) Delhi Capitals conceded their highest total of IPL 2026, 242 runs, thanks to a sensational unbeaten 135 from Abhishek Sharma, who bowled the entire 20 overs. After the defeat, former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin criticized captain Axar Patel for questionable decisions during the match.Sunrisers Hyderabad continued their strong run with an impressive 47-run victory, led by Abhishek’s 68-ball masterclass that included 10 fours and 10 sixes. He was well supported by Travis Head (37) and Heinrich Klaasen (37* off 13) who helped SRH post a daunting 242/2.
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Venugopal Rao explains the key decisions that helped DC beat RCB In response, Delhi Capitals showed early promise with the partnership between KL Rahul (37) and Nitish Rana (57) but lost momentum after their dismissal. Eshan Malinga bowled and took 4/32 as DC were restricted to 195/9.Ashwin questions a key tactical callAshwin took particular issue with Delhi’s bowling strategy, pointing out the overuse of part-time bowler Nitish Rana. Rana bowled his full quota of four overs and scored 55 runs, while openers Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel bowled just two overs each.Kuldeep returned figures of 1/23 in his two overs while Axar conceded 30 runs without claiming a wicket.“In the DC bowling attack, they have Axar Patel, Kuldeep, Lungi, Mukesh and Natarajan. But the first player to complete his 4-over quota was Nitish Rana and they lost the match there. It has to be the biggest mistake yet,” Ashwin said on his Ash Ki Baat YouTube channel.Ashwin further questioned the logic of relying on part-timers despite having a full complement of specialist bowlers.“Scoring 50 runs in four overs is not a big deal, but when you have five regular bowlers, why did you go for part-time?” he added.The loss pushed Delhi Capitals down to fifth in the standings, while Sunrisers Hyderabad climbed to third and continued their rise in IPL 2026.
