Axar Patel reveals why Sunrisers Hyderabad are favourites to win the IPL 2026 ti
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A Tactical Assessment of the IPL 2026 Season
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 reaches its fever pitch, the conversation surrounding the potential champions has intensified. Following a commanding 40-run victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to conclude their own campaign, Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel shared his expert perspective on the remaining field. During the post-match discussions, Axar Patel reveals why Sunrisers Hyderabad are favourites to win the IPL 2026 ti, pointing to their unmatched batting depth and destructive top-order prowess.
Why Sunrisers Hyderabad Pose the Biggest Threat
Patel, who has been a central figure in the tournament, highlighted the specific dynamics that make Pat Cummins’ squad a force to be reckoned with. According to the Capitals’ leader, when the top three batters for Sunrisers Hyderabad find their rhythm, they become virtually unstoppable. This consistency at the top of the order provides the team with a psychological and scoreboard advantage that puts immense pressure on opposition bowling attacks.
However, the road to the trophy is far from guaranteed. SRH must first overcome a stern test against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the upcoming eliminator match scheduled for the Mullanpur stadium in New Chandigarh. Having missed out on a top-two finish due to a challenging net-run-rate, the ‘Men in Orange’ must navigate the high-stakes environment of the knockout stages with precision.
Reflecting on the Delhi Capitals’ Finale
The final clash between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders may have been a dead rubber in terms of playoff qualification, but it served as a powerful statement for the Capitals. Batting first, Delhi showcased their capabilities by putting up a formidable total of 203 runs. The foundation was laid by KL Rahul, who anchored the innings with a composed 60-run knock. His efforts were well-supported by Axar Patel himself, who contributed a quick-fire 39 off just 25 deliveries, featuring three boundaries and two towering sixes.
A Spectacular Collapse for Kolkata
Chasing a daunting target of 204, Kolkata Knight Riders started with intent, building an opening partnership of 43 runs before Finn Allen departed for 20. A brief resurgence was led by Manish Pandey and Ajinkya Rahane, who added 44 runs for the second wicket. Despite Rahane’s gritty 63, the momentum shifted dramatically once he was dismissed with the scoreboard at 128.
The latter half of the chase witnessed a spectacular collapse as the three-time champions lost their remaining wickets in rapid succession. The KKR batting lineup crumbled under pressure, eventually being bowled out for 163 in the 19th over. The bowling performance was highlighted by the duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Lungi Ngidi, who claimed three wickets apiece. Notably, Kuldeep Yadav came agonizingly close to a hat-trick, only to be denied by a dropped catch from Abhishek Porel.
Looking Ahead to the Qualifiers
As the curtains fall on the group stages, the focus shifts to the qualifiers. Before the eliminator in New Chandigarh, cricket fans will turn their attention to the first qualifier in Dharamsala. The match will feature a high-voltage clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans. With the season reaching its climax, the parity between the top sides suggests that any minor tactical shift could decide the fate of the 2026 crown. While the Rajasthan Royals provide a significant hurdle, the consensus among many players remains that Sunrisers Hyderabad possess the firepower necessary to lift the trophy if they maintain their current momentum.
