NEW DELHI: Delhi Capitals vice-captain Axar Patel feels there is no need to press the panic button since it's still early days of the IPL despite losing two back-to-back matches in the tournament.
DC lost their IPL 2023 opener to Lucknow Super Giants by 50 runs before being outplayed by defending champions Gujarat Giants by six wickets on their home turf.
The DC side was playing for the first time in four years at the Feroz Shah Kotla cricket ground on Tuesday.
"It's still early days in the tournament. I don't think we need to work on too many aspects of our game," Axar was quoted as saying in a release.
The star all-rounder believes the side will take some time to gel together as they haven't played for a long time.
"We are playing together after a long time so we'll take some time to gel together as a unit. Once our combinations start working, then it'll get better for us."
"It was disappointing to be on the wrong side of the result. But, it was great to play in front of our fans after a long time. I hope the fans enjoyed the game. Hopefully, we'll perform well in the rest of our home games."
Axar, who scored a brisk 22-ball 36, played a fine cameo which was studded with two fours and three biggies including a one-handed six.
"I didn't plan the one-handed six. My bottom hand came off when I tried to extend my arms. Fortunately, I hit that ball for a six. And then I told Rishabh that the one-handed shot was for him. I was quite happy with my batting performance and I hope that I can keep performing well for Delhi Capitals."
Regular skipper Rishabh Pant, who is recovering from his horrific accident last December, was also present at the stadium to cheer his team.
"It was great to meet Rishabh in the dressing room. Players from the Gujarat team also came to meet him. Hopefully, he recovers soon and comes back to Kotla. Then both of us can play one-handed shots," Axar jokingly said.
