“I think SRH”: Axar Patel names winners of IPL after dominating win over KKR in

A Resounding Finish for Delhi Capitals

The TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 concluded its group stage with a high-octane encounter at the historic Eden Gardens. In a match that served as a pride-salvaging mission for both sides, the Delhi Capitals (DC) delivered a clinical performance to defeat the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 40 runs. While both franchises had already been eliminated from playoff contention prior to the first ball being bowled, the match provided a platform for individual brilliance and a glimpse into the future outlook of the tournament.

The Strategic Battle at Eden Gardens

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane won the toss and elected to field, hoping to utilize the home conditions. The KKR line-up remained unchanged, while Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel injected fresh energy into his side by bringing in Kuldeep Yadav and Auqib Nabi. The decision proved to be a masterstroke, as Kuldeep Yadav secured the Player of the Match award against his former franchise, showcasing the value of strategic rotation.

Batting first, the Delhi Capitals were propelled by a blistering start from openers KL Rahul and Abishek Porel. Although Porel fell for 22, the momentum remained with the visitors. KL Rahul anchored the innings with a masterful 25-ball fifty, eventually contributing a vital 60 runs. Supported by Sahil Parakh (24), Axar Patel (39), David Miller (28), and Ashutosh (18), the Capitals set a challenging target of 203/5.

KKR’s Collapse and The Tactical Turning Point

In response, the Kolkata Knight Riders began their chase with promise. Ajinkya Rahane, who scored his second half-century of the season in just 31 balls, and Finn Allen looked steady. However, the innings lost its trajectory once Allen departed for 20. A brief cameo from Manish Pandey offered hope, but once Rahane was dismissed for 63, the KKR batting order suffered a catastrophic collapse. The hosts lost seven wickets in the span of just 36 runs, eventually being bowled out for 163.

Axar Patel’s Championship Prediction

Following the victory, the focus shifted to the wider context of the 2026 IPL playoffs. In the post-match presentation, Axar Patel shared his assessment of the remaining contenders. When asked about his favorites for the title, he was unequivocal. “I think SRH”: Axar Patel names winners of IPL after dominating win over KKR in a show of respect for the Sunrisers Hyderabad’s tactical setup and batting depth.

Patel elaborated on his choice, stating that the sheer firepower within the Sunrisers’ top order makes them a formidable force. “I think SRH are looking very strong. When their top 3 score runs, that team becomes very difficult to stop. So I think SRH,” he noted. This high praise highlights the consistency shown by the Hyderabad outfit throughout the season, marking them as the team to beat in the final stages of the competition.

Reflecting on a Challenging Season

Despite the bittersweet nature of the win, Axar Patel expressed pride in his team’s character. He acknowledged the mistakes made earlier in the tournament but emphasized the importance of resilience. “In the last three matches, the way we played, even when you know things are not going well, the way the team fought after that, I am very proud,” he stated. He pointed out that often the difference between success and disappointment in the IPL comes down to a single match. For the Delhi Capitals, the focus now shifts to learning from these experiences and building a more consistent core for the upcoming seasons.

The match at Eden Gardens served as a reminder that even in the absence of playoff stakes, professional cricket remains as competitive and tactical as ever. With the tournament moving into the knockout phases, all eyes remain on the favorites, but the final performance of the Delhi Capitals has certainly left a mark on the 2026 season narrative.