IPL 2023: David Warner Explains Decision To Not Bowl Axar Patel Against Gujarat Titans

Warner top-scored for Delhi, making 37 off 32 against Gujarat but that wasn't enough on Tuesday where they succumbed to a 6-wicket defeat.

Delhi Capitals' David Warner reacts during the Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket match between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on April 4, 2023.

Source : AFP

It has been far from an ideal start to the tournament for the Delhi Capitals. The team has now lost two matches in a row, first losing an away game to Lucknow Super Giants by 50 runs before a defeat at their home ground against the Gujarat Titans on Tuesday.

The David Warner-led side were asked to bat first at the Arun Jaitley Stadium by Gujarat skipper Hardik Pandya who won the toss. Delhi just couldn't get going upfront and talking about the performance after the game, skipper Warner admitted that they hadn't expected as much swing as the Gujarat bowlers were able to extract last evening.

"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.

The left-handed batter was in fact the top-scorer for the side as he scored 37 runs from 32 balls and eventually a quickfire knock from Axar Patel worth 36 off 22 deliveries helped Delhi post 162/8. However, that did not prove to be enough as Gujarat chased down the total with 11 balls to spare.

Sai Sudharsan was the top-scorer for GT as he remained unbeaten on 62 off 48 balls in the run-chase and the finishing touches were provided by David Miller who scored 31 off 16 balls to bring an early end to the match.

However, in a move that raised some eyebrows, Warner chose not to bowl Axar Patel even as Gujarat chased to victory. Explaining this decision, Warner said: "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 (Axar not bowling) - and the matchups."