Delhi Capitals Look To Keep Things ‘Simple But Intense’ In IPL 2024, Says All-Rounder Axar Patel
Chandigarh: Heavily boosted by the return of Rishabh Pant, Delhi Capitals will be looking to keep things simple but intense as they embark on a fresh journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL), opined all-rounder Axar Patel. The IPL 2024 starts on Friday with defending champions Chennai Super Kings taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the tournament opener. Delhi Capitals face Punjab Kings in their campaign opener in Chandigarh on March 23.
For a change, Punjab Kings will be playing their opener at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, their third home ground since inception. Reflecting their preparations ahead of the opening game, Axar sounded positive ahead of grueling two months.
“Everyone is coming off good performances in their respective domestic and international outings. It’s been a great atmosphere in the team. We have had good intense training sessions in Vizag before our opening game,” Axar said.
“It’s a new season, we are starting afresh. Mainly the conversations with the coaches have been around the execution of plans and most importantly how to keep things simple in the tournament,” the 30-year-old added on the team’s approach in the IPL 2024,” he added.
Meanwhile, all the limelight will be on skipper Pant, who is returning to cricket after 14 months. The India wicketkeeper survived a near-fatal accident on December 30, 2022, which forced him to miss the IPL last year. He underwent a couple of ligament surgeries and went to National Cricket Academy (NCA) for rehabilitation. However, it is still unsure whether Pant will don the wicket-keeping gloves or not.
Speaking about his dear friend Pant’s return to professional cricket, Axar said, “I’m sure everyone would have said that it’s great to have him back in the team, but personally, I missed him a lot, missed our banter both on and off the field last year.”
“But, now that he is back, all the banter and fun have started alongside serious conversations around the game. I’m just looking forward to having more fun with him this season,” he concluded.