Venugopal Rao provides official update on Axar Patel's injury after RCB vs DC clash

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match no.26 was between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and the Delhi Capitals (DC). It was a great game on a Saturday afternoon, and it was a low-scoring affair, as DC beat RCB by 6 wickets. David Miller showcased all his finishing experience and finished the game.

During the game, DC captain Axar Patel was injured and had to walk off during the run chase, as Axar Patel had cramps in his leg and was retired hurt in the game. He was struggling while walking back, and RCB all-rounder Krunal Pandya gave him a shoulder while he walked off.

He[Axar Patel] will be fit for the next game- Venugopal Rao

After winning the match, Axar Patel did not arrive during the post-match presentation ceremony, and KL Rahul came in and, later on in the post-match press conference, the team's director of cricket, Venugopal Rao, provided an update on Axar's cramps and whether there was a serious injury during the match.

Venugopal Rao said, "Axar Patel has had a cramp, he will be fit for the next game. Last game he has done the role, Stubbs. We are blessed to have him. Born and brought up here. Used all his experience, the kind of role we have given him, he is fulfilling it. Birthday boy."

Phil Salt's carnage in Bengaluru

DC won the toss and elected to field first; both teams came into this game without making any changes from their last game. The two teams had been in good form in this edition of the tournament. The wicket was not a 200+ with being on the slower side, and thus, RCB batters, despite having a good start, did not make it in the middle overs.

Virat Kohli and Phil Salt had a good start, but the former was dismissed on the score of 19 runs. Salt once again stepped up as he scored a brilliant half-century and played a knock of 63 off 38 deliveries, on a pitch that was a bit sticky.

RCB had a collapse in the middle overs as they lost 5 wickets in the span of 50 runs. Then the reigning champions failed to get on in the match, and DC bowlers restricted the home side to 175/8. Tim David was the aggressor, scoring 26 off 17 balls.

Stubbs and David Miller sees off for Delhi Capitals

Coming to chase, DC were in trouble losing three wickets for just 18 runs, in the form of Pathum Nissanka, Karun Nair, and Sameer Rizvi. Then KL Rahul and Tristan Stubbs took charge; the former once again scored a fifty on his home ground and played a knock of 57 runs.

Then it was Stubbs and Axar Patel, as they piled up the runs, with Axar Patel walking out due to cramps, and David Miller had the redemption, scoring 22 off 10 balls and taking the match away from the RCB, and finished off the game in style. Stubbs was awarded the player of the match for his match-winning knock of 60.

Also Read: IPL Points Table 2026: Updated Standings, Orange Cap, Purple Cap After RCB vs DC Match 26