Axar Patel celebrating with teammates after taking a wicket.
In front of them a tough competition from the outbreak of Kovid-19 IPL Delhi Capitals all-rounder Axar Patel said head coach Ricky Ponting’s loud conversations worked wonders in boosting the morale of the team, resulting in massive wins.
DC showed remarkable resilience to overcome a Covid-19 crisis in their camp and thrashed Punjab Kings by nine wickets in an IPL game on Wednesday night.
The match, which was shifted from Pune to the Brabourne Stadium, was allowed to go ahead after DC wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Seifert tested positive on Wednesday morning, barely an hour before the start of the game.
But head coach Ponting did everything possible to help his team stay focused.
“We were quarantined and we started practice two-three days after that, he (Ponting) told us that we have two options. We have to play the match. You might think there are positive cases, and there was no preparation Is.
Akshar said, “Or you may think that external things are not in our hands and you must show commitment with regard to effort and preparation.”
“We were focusing on our game (and) we did our planning (accordingly). So that was just the speech and that was our mindset,” said the left-arm spinner. Bundling of Punjab for sub-para 115.
Delhi first bowled out Punjab Kings for 115 and then chased down the target in just 10.3 overs with the help of David Warner’s unbeaten 60.
Akshar was also happy with teammates Kuldeep YadavReturning to form, saying that the Delhi team management gave him the confidence he needed to prosper after a disappointing last IPL, where he represented Kolkata Knight Riders.
“Like you said, the atmosphere is very important. I said earlier that when he (Kuldeep) came, he needed confidence. After not playing well for a season or two, you are less confident, so Rishabh ( Pant), me and the coaching staff – Ricky (Ponting) gave him confidence, which was important,” Axar said.
“We gave him confidence in the practice match and he was told that he will play all the matches and he doesn’t need to stress about his performance.
“When he knows he is playing all the matches, he needs to focus on his bowling. And that is happening. He is now concentrating on his bowling and the way he is taking wickets, It makes it easier for me to partner with him,” he said.