Revealed: Why is Axar Patel not playing today's match for DC against PBKS in IPL 2025?

Delhi Capitals (DC) have suffered a major blow as their skipper, Axar Patel, is not available for the final match of the team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Delhi Capitals (DC) are locking horns with the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the 66th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday, May 24.

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Axar Patel ruled out of the PBKS vs DC clash

DC skipper Axar Patel had performed brilliantly for his side in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He has led the team from the front and shone both with the bat and ball.

Axar Patel has slammed 263 runs in 12 matches at an average of 26.30 and a strike rate of 157.48, and with the ball, he has bagged 5 wickets at an average of 57.60, an economy of 8.47, and a strike rate of 40.80.

However, Axar Patel missed the Delhi Capitals' previous match against the Mumbai Indians due to a 'bad flu', and it seems like he has not recovered from it. Although the DC stand-in skipper Faf du Plessis didn't speak about Axar Patel's absence at the toss, it can be assumed that he is out of the match due to sickness.

We started well. Then went on a roller coaster - Faf du Plessis

Speaking at the toss, Faf du Plessis talked about the team composition, stating that an extra batter in the team would help them in chasing the target. He said:

"It has more to do with our team combination (on toss decision). We are playing an extra batter. It helps while chasing."

Faf du Plessis also expressed disappointment over the campaign of the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025, saying that they started exceptionally well but then had a rollercoaster ride. He elaborated:

"Very frustrating to be honest. We started well. Then went on a roller coaster. We end up losing momentum and confidence. We have played enough T20 cricket to understand it. If you do the right things for a long period of time, then both changes. We were excellent in the previous game until 17 overs. We bowled beautifully. Then there was a lack of concentration. Then the momentum is gone again. We had to fight it back."

We are playing for the 5th spot - Faf du Plessis

Faf du Plessis further asserted that the Delhi Capitals aimed for a top-four finish from the very start, but now they are fighting for a fifth-place finish. He said:

"100%. We are playing for the 5th spot. IPL is such a good tournament that number 5 is a great position. IPL has 10 strong teams, it is a very good effort to make up to number 5.

"Obviously, you want to be in the top 4, and then you have to start again. We had our goals to get into the top four. We will be happy if he can finish 5th. We have got Karun coming back to the side."