Delhi Capitals (DC) suffered their second loss of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 on April 4. Capitals lost to defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) at their home ground Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. While Mukesh Kumar was brought back into the attack and leaked runs, left-arm spinner Axar Patel was not given a single over in the match. The Australian opener explained why Patel was not given the ball.
“It because of the wicket and the matchups,” Warner said in the post-match presentation.
As left-handed batters Sai Sudharsan and David Miller were in the middle, Warner did not want to introduce the left-arm spinner. Earlier, when right-handed batter Vijay Shankar was batting, he stuck with his five main bowlers barring Patel.
Mohammed Shami was sensational in his first spell as he took wickets of opener Prithvi Shaw and Marsh. Shami almost got the wicket of Warner but the bails did not go off when the ball brushed past the off stump. It was not a typical Delhi wicket but Warner was not surprised the way it behaved.
“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. We have another 6 games here. Have to be on point and expect that swing in the first few overs,” the 36-year-old said.
Warner lauded Sai Sudharsan who registered his maiden IPL fifty and David Miller who took the game away in slog overs as he said, “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.”
Capitals have not only lost their first two games. Their net run rate (NRR) has taken a hit as well after comprehensive losses. They will face Rajasthan Royals on April 8 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
Meanwhile, Warner is struggling with his form as well despite scoring a half-century in DC’s campaign opener. His strike rate is a concern. Against GT bowlers, he looked scratchy and managed to score 37 runs from 32 balls.
ALSO READ:
Big News: Gujarat Titans announce explosive batter as Kane Williamson's replacement for remainder of IPL 2023
Mohammed Shami robbed of David Warner’s wicket, ball hits the stumps but bails remain unmoved
