'What if I get out?'- Axar Patel's hilarious response when suggested to bat higher up the order for Delhi Capitals

Axar Patel DC (Image source: Twitter)

Axar Patel's handling by the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023 has been a topic of interest, with the experienced Indian player yet to secure a permanent batting position. Despite being the team's vice-captain, Patel has batted in four different positions in the lineup, from No. 8 in the opener against LSG to No. 4 against RCB. His form with the bat at the international level has been noteworthy, with 444 runs in 13 innings at an average of 63.82 and a strike rate of 74.12.

Although he has done reasonably well despite the constant shuffling of his position, it is frustrating to see DC not utilizing Patel properly. He recently smashed his maiden IPL fifty against Mumbai Indians, scoring 54 off 25 balls, which helped DC reach a total of 172. In the post-match press conference, Patel laughed when asked about his position and said, "I'm playing 10-12 overs irrespective of whether I bat higher up the order at No.7. It all looks the same to me and hence I'm not complaining much."

He continued, "Even when I bat at No. 4, I think 10-12 overs are enough for me in a T20 game. On a serious note, we have a lot of domestic batters who can play spin really well. If I start batting higher up the order then who will play the role of a finisher? What if I get out early then we won't get whatever push we are getting at the end. So it is a difficult choice and as I said, I am anyway batting 10-12 overs, " Patel concluded.

Axar should bat in the top four- David Warner

Patel has been utilized lower down the order to allow domestic Indian batters to bat against spin, but DC captain David Warner believes he should be batting in the top four purely because of the form he is in. "Axar should bat in the top four the way he is striking the ball," Warner said.

Patel himself has stated that if he were to bat higher up the order, there would be nobody to play the role of a finisher. He has been playing the role of a finisher himself, which has resulted in him batting in the lower order. However, his performance and strike rate indicate that he could be a valuable asset in the top four.

Representing India in all three formats regularly has given Patel a lot of confidence, and he has been consistent with his performances. He scored 264 runs in five innings at an average of 88.00 with three fifties against Australia in this year's Border Gavaskar Trophy, and he has played useful cameos in ODIs and T20Is this year.

Overall, Patel's handling by Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023 has been interesting, but it is clear that his form and ability with the bat suggest that he should be utilized higher up the order in the future.