Axar Patel Fined for Slow Over-Rate After Delhi Capitals Beat Punjab Kings

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel has been fined ₹12 lakh after his side were found guilty of a minimum over-rate offence in their match against Punjab Kings. It came on the same night that he played a decisive hand with the bat.

The breach falls under Article 2.22 of the IPL Code of Conduct. As this was Delhi’s first offence of the season, Axar received only a financial penalty.

One of several fined captains

Axar is far from alone. Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane was also fined ₹12 lakh, and Punjab Kings skipper Shreyas Iyer and Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad have likewise been penalised for similar breaches. The list shows how routine over-rate sanctions have become in this year’s IPL.

Axar answers with the bat

On the field, Delhi secured a vital three-wicket victory that kept their faint playoff hopes alive and ended a run of two straight defeats. The 2020 finalists now sit seventh on the table with 10 points from 12 games.

Axar, who had averaged under 10 earlier in a tough season, struck 56 off 30 balls to steady the chase after Delhi lost early wickets. He did not bowl at all, as conditions suited pace and the team used seamers for the entire 20 overs.

What is left for Delhi

Two league fixtures remain. Delhi host Rajasthan Royals next, then finish their campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Sunday, May 24.