Axar Patel reveals why Sunrisers Hyderabad are favourites to win the IPL 2026 ti

A Tactical Assessment of the IPL 2026 Title Race

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season reaches its climactic stages, the cricket fraternity is buzzing with predictions regarding which franchise will lift the coveted trophy. Adding his expert perspective to the conversation, Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel recently shared his insights. Specifically, Axar Patel reveals why Sunrisers Hyderabad are favourites to win the IPL 2026 ti, noting that the team led by Pat Cummins possesses a rare blend of aggression and consistency that makes them incredibly difficult to beat.

During a post-match interaction following the Delhi Capitals’ victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders, the 32-year-old all-rounder was pressed on his title predictions. His reasoning was clear: “They (SRH) are a very strong team and when their top three batters get going, they become a formidable side.” This acknowledgment highlights the fearsome nature of the Sunrisers’ top-order, which has frequently dismantled opposing bowling attacks throughout the tournament.

The Path to the Championship

While the Sunrisers are viewed as heavy favorites by many, including Patel, the road to glory is far from straightforward. To secure the title, they must first navigate a high-stakes eliminator match against the Rajasthan Royals. This crucial fixture, scheduled to take place at the Mullanpur stadium in New Chandigarh, will serve as a definitive test for the “Men In Orange.”

The Sunrisers missed out on a top-two finish due to a marginal difference in their net-run-rate, a reality that forces them to take the longer, more perilous route through the playoffs. Meanwhile, the tournament’s landscape is equally competitive, with the first qualifier between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans set for Dharamsala, setting the stage for an intense conclusion to the season.

Reflecting on the Delhi Capitals’ Season Finale

The conversation regarding the championship came on the back of a morale-boosting win for the Delhi Capitals, who concluded their 2026 campaign with a resounding 40-run victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders. Despite both teams being out of the playoff race, the match served as a showcase of individual skill and team cohesion.

Delhi Capitals posted a mammoth total of 203 runs. The innings was anchored by KL Rahul, who contributed a composed 60, while skipper Axar Patel provided a late flourish with a quickfire 39 off just 25 balls, striking three boundaries and two sixes. This total proved far too steep for the Kolkata side.

A Spectacular Collapse for KKR

In response, Kolkata Knight Riders’ chase began with a glimmer of hope. Despite losing Finn Allen early, an opening partnership kept them afloat. Ajinkya Rahane played a valiant knock of 63, and for a period, the home team appeared to be in contention. However, once Rahane was dismissed with the score at 128, the innings imploded.

The collapse was orchestrated by the Delhi bowling attack, with Kuldeep Yadav and Lungi Ngidi taking center stage. Both bowlers finished with three wickets each, dismantling the KKR lineup and bowling them out for 163 in the 19th over. The dominance was so absolute that even a dropped catch by Abhishek Porel—denying Kuldeep Yadav a potential hat-trick—could not disrupt the Capitals’ momentum.

Final Thoughts

As the curtains draw on the Delhi Capitals’ campaign, the focus shifts to the final contenders. Whether the Sunrisers Hyderabad can live up to the high expectations set by peers like Axar Patel remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the IPL 2026 playoffs promise to deliver the kind of high-octane drama that fans have come to expect from the world’s premier T20 league.

The strength of the Sunrisers, as noted by Patel, lies in their top-order efficiency. If they can replicate that form in the do-or-die eliminator against Rajasthan, they will undoubtedly be the team to watch as the quest for the 2026 title nears its conclusion.