IPL 2021: Axar Patel Likely To Make His Return vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Hints Mohammad Kaif

Delhi Capitals assistant coach, Mohammad Kaif has hinted that Axar Patel could make his return to the line-up on Sunday against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in Chennai.

The Capitals have received a major boost as Patel had re-linked up with the squad after spending nearly three weeks in a medical care facility upon returning a positive covid-19 result. Mohammad Kaif heaps praise for Axar Patel, who recently made a staggering Test debut, for his performances last season which helped Delhi reach its maiden IPL final.

The former India batsman reckons Delhi could field the “dream” spin-bowling attack of Axar, Amit Mishra, who was Man of the Match against Mumbai Indians, and R Ashwin, who is yet to find his groove in the tournament.

“He’s been a key member [of the squad]. Last year, when we reached the finals Axar played a major role. He batted at No. 7, won the game against CSK at Sharjah. He was bowling beautifully, I think. Axar, [Amit] Mishra and [Ravichandran] Ashwin playing together is going to be a dream spin-bowling attack,” Mohammad Kaif said in a video uploaded by the franchise.

How we play Rashid Khan is going to be key on this pitch: Mohammad Kaif

Mohammad Kaif says that the way Delhi batters tackle Rashid Khan’s 4 overs would be a crucial factor on Sunday. However, he also believes that they have got the bowling to defend any target, and have plenty of experience in the batting department to fare well on a difficult batting pitch in Chennai.

With 3 wins in 4 matches, Rishabh Pant’s side is placed at the third position on the points table; Sunrisers Hyderabad has opened their account with a victory of Punjab Kings and will look to add another win in their bag before leaving Chepauk.

“Definitely! How we play Rashid Khan is going to be key on this pitch. And we have the bowlers who can defend the target. We have Amit Mishra who was the man of the match in the last game. He bowled beautifully. We have got the fast bowlers as well. The way [Marcus] Stoinis bowled in the last game with the new ball… was a crucial factor.

“I think it’s going to be a good game because they won the last game, SRH. We have played 4, won 3, so we have also got the momentum going. I think batting has been tough on this pitch. Hopefully, we have an experienced lineup compared to SRH,” the former batsman stated.

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