Madhav Tiwari praises DC skipper Axar Patel's supportive captaincy

In a revealing moment following the conclusion of the high-stakes Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, Delhi Capitals' promising young all-rounder Madhav Tiwari has openly praised skipper Axar Patel 'supportive leadership' and unwavering trust. Tiwari highlighted how observing Patel's constant mental engagement profoundly influenced his understanding of what it takes to excel as an all-rounder in modern cricket, a testament to the captain's on-field and off-field presence. This public endorsement arrives at a crucial juncture for the Delhi Capitals, who finished a disappointing sixth in IPL 2026 after a fifth-place finish in IPL 2025, consistently missing out on playoff berths under Patel's captaincy. While Axar is known for a balanced, player-first leadership style that prioritizes understanding situations over strict data reliance and has challenged traditional notions of captaincy, the team's performance has reportedly prompted discussions within the franchise. The praise from Tiwari could bolster Axar's standing, especially as rumors circulate about a potential captaincy change for IPL 2027, with veteran batter KL Rahul emerging as a front-runner to take the helm. For Madhav Tiwari, a player retained for the 2026 season after his 2025 debut, this mentorship is vital for his growth. The Capitals' management will now weigh the value of nurturing young talent under existing leadership against the urgency for improved results as they strategize for the next IPL season.