Axar Patel reveals why Sunrisers Hyderabad are favourites to win the IPL 2026 ti
A Tactical Assessment of the IPL 2026 Contenders
As the Indian Premier League 2026 season reaches its thrilling crescendo, the cricket world is abuzz with speculation regarding who will lift the prestigious trophy. In a candid assessment, Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel has weighed in on the title race. During a recent post-match discussion, Axar Patel reveals why Sunrisers Hyderabad are favourites to win the IPL 2026 ti, pointing to their unparalleled firepower at the top of the order as the deciding factor.
The Power of the Orange Army
Patel, who led his Delhi Capitals to a convincing 40-run victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders to close their season, was full of praise for Pat Cummins’ unit. When asked about his pick for the eventual champions, the 32-year-old all-rounder was decisive. According to Patel, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) possess a unique blend of aggression and stability. He noted, “They are a very strong team and when their top three batters get going, they become a formidable side.” This offensive consistency has been the hallmark of their success throughout the league stage.
The Road Ahead for Hyderabad
Despite their clear talent, the path to the championship is far from simple for the Men in Orange. Having missed out on a coveted top-two finish due to a lower net-run-rate, SRH now faces a high-stakes encounter against the Rajasthan Royals in the eliminator match. This clash, scheduled to take place at the Mullanpur Stadium in New Chandigarh, serves as the ultimate litmus test for their title credentials. The pressure will be immense, but if the top-order fires as Patel expects, they remain the team to beat.
Delhi Capitals’ Resonant Conclusion
The conversation surrounding the title race followed a morale-boosting performance by the Delhi Capitals. In their final fixture, the Capitals posted a mammoth total of 203 runs. The innings was anchored by a composed 60-run knock from KL Rahul, complemented perfectly by Axar Patel’s own late-order aggression. Patel smashed 39 runs off just 25 deliveries, featuring three boundaries and two massive sixes, proving his value as a leader who leads from the front.
Kolkata Knight Riders’ Collapse
Chasing a daunting target of 204, Kolkata Knight Riders initially showed promise. An opening stand of 43 runs provided a stable platform, and a valiant 63 from Ajinkya Rahane kept the home crowd engaged. However, the game shifted dramatically once Rahane departed with the score at 128. The Kolkata middle-order succumbed to immense pressure, resulting in a spectacular collapse. The team was eventually bowled out for 163 in the 19th over.
The victory was spearheaded by the spin-bowling masterclass of Kuldeep Yadav and the consistent pace of Lungi Ngidi. Both bowlers claimed three wickets apiece, dismantling the KKR lineup. A moment of tension occurred during Kuldeep’s spell when he narrowly missed a hat-trick; the opportunity was squandered when Abhishek Porel dropped a straightforward catch off the bat of Tejasvi Dahiya.
Looking Toward the Final
While the focus remains on the upcoming eliminator, the league’s landscape is shifting. The first qualifier, set to be played in Dharamsala between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Gujarat Titans, will set the stage for the finale. Regardless of the outcome of these matches, the perspective provided by Axar Patel offers deep insight into the tactical respect held by players for the current SRH squad. As the tournament reaches its final stages, fans remain glued to the action, waiting to see if the Sunrisers can justify their status as the bookmakers’ and professionals’ top choice for the IPL 2026 crown.
As the competition narrows, it is evident that the strength of the top-order will dictate the champions of this edition. With high-scoring venues and pressure-cooker situations defining the playoffs, the tactical assessment provided by the Delhi Capitals captain serves as a vital analytical window into the strengths that define an IPL champion in the modern era.
