Axar Patel snubs table-toppers RCB, names SRH as IPL 2026’s strongest playoff team: ‘Very difficult to stop’

Speaking after DC's final league game, Axar Patel was asked to name the strongest team among the qualifiers.

Published on: May 25, 2026, 12:49:32 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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With the IPL 2026 playoff spots confirmed, Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel feels that Sunrisers Hyderabad are the strongest among the qualified teams. Apart from SRH, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, and Rajasthan Royals have qualified for the playoffs. SRH have three batters in the top ten for the most runs this season. Heinrich Klaasen is third in the Orange Cap race with 606 runs in 14 matches at an average of 50.50 and a 159.47 strike rate.

SRH have been one of the standout teams this season, with their aggressive batting approach overwhelming opponents. (PTI)

Meanwhile, Ishan Kishan is sixth with 569 runs in 14 games at an average of 40.64 and 178.36 strike rate. On the other hand, opener Abhishek Sharma is seventh with 563 runs in 14 matches at an average of 43.31 and a 206.22 strike rate.

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Speaking after DC's final league game, Axar was asked to name the strongest team among the qualifiers. "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 said.

SRH have been one of the standout teams this season, with their aggressive batting approach overwhelming opponents, and their bowlers also performing well. Their top order trio of openers, Travis Head, Abhishek and Kishan at No. 3 has handed them explosive starts, giving the middle order to play with freedom.

SRH's face RR in the Eliminator on Wednesday. SRH finished in third position in the league stage with 18 points, and RR ended with 16. Meanwhile, RCB take on GT on Tuesday. The loser will face whoever wins between SRH and RR. Meanwhile, the winner will advance to the final. RCB finished on top of the table with 18 points, and GT came second with the same number of points, but a lower net run rate.

SRH's playoff rivals will take note of Axar's warning. SRH has regularly posted huge totals this season, and their fearless intent has been a big talking point. If ther top order fires against RR, stopping them could become extremely difficult.

DC, on the other hand, had a frustrating season and missed the playoffs. "Firstly, you have to accept your mistakes. After that, you realize what you need to do better. That is the positive you have to take forward. If you talk about one match, if just one match had gone differently, things could have been very different. I think the last time we played good cricket, it was just about one match. If that one match had gone our way, we would have been talking differently. Like we spoke about at the toss, moments like catches were very important. If that had happened, today we would have been in a different position", said Axar.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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