IPL 2023: David Warner explains his bizarre decision to not bowl Akshar Patel against Gujarat Titans

Delhi Capitals suffered a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Gujarat Titans.

By Salman Anjum - 05 Apr, 2023

Delhi Capitals (DC) suffered a six-wicket defeat at the hands of Gujarat Titans (GT) in Match 7 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Tuesday (April 4).

Asked to bat first, DC posted 162/8 on the board with key contributions from David Warner (37), Akshar Patel (36), Sarfaraz Khan (30), and Abishek Porel (20).

For GT, Rashid Khan (3-31) and Mohammad Shami (3-41) took three wickets each while Alzarri Joseph (2/29) returned with a couple of scalps.

In reply, the defending champions rode on Sai Sudharsan’s 62* off 48 balls and David Miller’s 16-ball 31* to overhaul the target with 11 deliveries to spare.

After the game, DC skipper David Warner said that home batters were taken aback by the swinging conditions on offer on the Kotla track.

"Don't think I was surprised (early movement for GT seamers). It did swing a lot more than anticipated. And from the other end it kept a little low. They showed how to adapt to situations. Got another 6 games here," Warner said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

The Capitals captain also explained his decision to not bowl Akshar Patel in GT’s innings, saying that it all came down to the match ups and how the Kotla pitch was playing.

"Have to be on point and expect that swing in the first few overs. We were in the game till the back end. Sai batted well. Miller does what he does. With the dew also, it'll be challenging if you don't get 180-190. Was because of the wicket (Akshar not bowling) - and the matchups," he added.

Delhi Capitals will take on Rajasthan Royals in their next clash at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on April 8.

By Salman Anjum - 05 Apr, 2023

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