Mohammad Kaif Slams Axar Patel’s Captaincy After Kuldeep Yadav Remark

Mohammad Kaif criticised Axar Patel’s captaincy after the Delhi Capitals captain publicly mentioned Kuldeep Yadav following the CSK defeat.

Delhi Capitals remains under heavy pressure in IPL 2026 despite securing an important win against Punjab Kings. Axar Patel’s side still faces an uncertain playoff situation with only two league matches remaining. Even wins in both games may not guarantee qualification, as Delhi now depend on other results.

Questions around Axar Patel’s captaincy has grown stronger after Delhi’s recent struggles in high-pressure situations. The discussion increased after Axar publicly mentioned Kuldeep Yadav while reflecting on the defeat against Chennai Super Kings. Axar admitted he missed Kuldeep’s support in the bowling attack during the game.

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif criticised the approach and said experienced captains should never publicly single out players after difficult performances. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif said mature captains protect teammates during poor phases instead of openly discussing individual struggles.

“But I feel in bowling, I missed my partner Kuldeep,” Axar had said.

Kaif also defended Kuldeep Yadav by highlighting his consistent performances for Delhi Capitals and India across white-ball cricket over the years.

“A mature captain never publicly takes the name of one of his players or lets his player down. He does not openly blame him. I can understand that Kuldeep has gone through a tough phase this season. He has not bowled that well and has not picked up many wickets. But ever since he joined Delhi, he has been a proven bowler,” Kaif said.

“Forget just the IPL, even if you talk about India in ODIs or T20Is over the years, he has consistently performed. Yes, this season has been a bit quiet for him and his bowling has not been at its best. But you should never take a player’s name publicly. Instead, you should simply say that things did not go well as a team,” he added.

Axar Patel’s side now needed wins in both remaining league matches to reach 14 points. However, even that may not guarantee a playoff spot because teams usually require 16 points to qualify comfortably in a 10-team IPL season.

Delhi also depended heavily on other results. The franchise needed at least three teams currently above them to lose multiple matches and create a tight race for the final top-four positions.

DC’s upcoming clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on May 24 will now decide their season.