Is Axar Patel injured? DC campaign jolted as skipper walks off with visible discomfort

Axar Patel (Pic: IPL/X)

In a major setback during the ongoing IPL 2025 clash between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi skipper Axar Patel was spotted walking off the field due to an injury.

The incident occurred on the fourth delivery of the 18th over when Patel attempted to stop a single and hurt his left hand in the process, the same hand he relies on predominantly for both batting and bowling. Medical staff promptly rushed onto the field and, after assessing the situation, advised the all-rounder to exit the field for further treatment.

This injury has sent ripples of concern through the Delhi Capitals' camp and their supporters, with many fans visibly anxious about the fitness of their captain. With Axar being a pivotal figure for Delhi, both as a leader and an all-rounder, his absence poses a significant blow to the team's strategy and morale, especially at a crucial stage in the game.

Meanwhile, a collective batting display powered KKR to a formidable total of 204 for nine. After being invited to bat first, the Knight Riders came out all guns blazing, attacking the bowlers from the very outset. However, despite the explosive start, Delhi Capitals managed to pull things back by striking at regular intervals, preventing KKR from maintaining their initial momentum throughout the innings.

Axar had played a vital role in curbing the scoring rate, delivering an economical and impactful spell. He finished with figures of two for 27 from his allotted four overs, providing key breakthroughs that helped Delhi claw back into the contest after a blistering start by KKR. His control and precision in the middle overs were instrumental in applying pressure on the opposition.

With Axar off the field, veteran batter Faf du Plessis assumed captaincy duties for the remainder of the innings. This unexpected leadership change, coupled with the potential unavailability of their skipper for the chase, has added a layer of complexity to Delhi's task.

A recent visual from the dugout showed Axar sitting beside team mentor Kevin Pietersen, with heavy strapping around his injured left hand. While this offered a glimpse of his condition, no official statement has yet been released by the franchise regarding the severity of the injury or his availability for batting.