IPL 2026: Cheteshwar Pujara Issues Warning to DC Captain Axar Patel

New Delhi, Mar 19 : With IPL 2026 just over a week away, Delhi Capitals (DC) are gearing up for their campaign, aiming for a maiden title as they face Lucknow Super Giants on April 1, followed by their first home game against Mumbai Indians on April 4. Ahead of the 19th edition of the tournament, India Test legend Cheteshwar Pujara has issued a warning to DC captain Axar Patel.

Speaking on Star Sports, Pujara highlighted that while Axar’s calm demeanor is an asset under pressure, it could also make him “over-relax” or become “extra casual,” potentially allowing the team’s momentum to slip. DC narrowly missed the playoffs in IPL 2025 despite a strong run, finishing fifth, and Pujara urged the skipper to remain alert this season.

“Axar Patel is quite calm, he does not take too much pressure. His personality is really good, especially for the IPL where there is a lot of pressure. He backs his players, but he should be careful of not being over-relaxed. He should not be extra casual, and let momentum slip and go away from you. DC had momentum last year, but they let go of that. He has to be careful of that this season,” Pujara said.

Axar, who played a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup-winning campaign, finished with 11 wickets in seven matches, including a 3/27 performance in the final against New Zealand. Retained as DC skipper for IPL 2026, he has previously taken 128 wickets in 162 IPL matches and scored 1,916 runs in 159 innings, including three half-centuries with a highest score of 66.

DC’s quest for a maiden IPL title continues, with their only final appearance coming in 2020, where they lost to MI. While RCB are defending champions, traditional powerhouses MI and CSK are also eyeing a sixth title. Other teams yet to win the trophy include PBKS and LSG, making this season a crucial opportunity for DC to claim their first championship.