Axar Patel reveals why Sunrisers Hyderabad are favourites to win the IPL 2026 ti

A Tactical Assessment of the IPL 2026 Season

As the curtains fall on the league stage of the Indian Premier League 2026, the discussion regarding potential champions has intensified. Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel, speaking after his side’s convincing 40-run victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders, provided his expert perspective on the tournament’s hierarchy. When pressed on his pick for the ultimate title holder, Axar Patel reveals why Sunrisers Hyderabad are favourites to win the IPL 2026 ti, highlighting their immense offensive capability.

The Power of the Top Three

Patel’s admiration for the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) squad stems from their aggressive approach to the game. He noted that the team possesses a unique destructive quality when their top-order batters find their rhythm. According to the Delhi Capitals leader, when the top three in the SRH batting order get going, they become an incredibly formidable side that is difficult for any bowling unit to contain. This reliance on explosive starts has been a hallmark of Pat Cummins’ side throughout this campaign, allowing them to exert pressure from the very first ball of the innings.

The Road to the Title

While Patel is confident in his assessment, the journey for Sunrisers Hyderabad remains challenging. Despite their status as favorites, they must navigate a high-stakes encounter against the Rajasthan Royals in the upcoming eliminator match, which is scheduled to take place at the Mullanpur stadium in New Chandigarh. The Men in Orange unfortunately missed out on a top-two finish due to an inferior net run rate, meaning there is no room for error in their playoff run. The intensity of the competition is further underscored by the first qualifier match, which features a clash between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Gujarat Titans in the scenic setting of Dharamsala.

A Strong Finish for Delhi Capitals

The match where these insights were shared served as a morale-boosting finale for the Delhi Capitals. Although both the Capitals and the Kolkata Knight Riders had already been eliminated from playoff contention, the game offered a showcase of talent. Delhi posted an imposing total of 203 runs, anchored by KL Rahul’s sophisticated knock of 60 runs and a punchy 39 off 25 deliveries from skipper Axar Patel. This total proved to be far beyond the reach of the hosts, who crumbled under pressure.

Kolkata’s Unexpected Collapse

Kolkata’s pursuit of the 204-run target began with promise, but the innings ultimately fell apart. Despite a decent opening stand of 43 runs, the loss of Finn Allen triggered a sequence of failures. Ajinkya Rahane provided a steady hand with his 63 runs, but once his wicket fell at 128, the batting order disintegrated. The team suffered a rapid collapse, finding themselves bowled out for 163 in the 19th over. The bowling performance from the Capitals was clinical, spearheaded by Kuldeep Yadav and Lungi Ngidi, who claimed three wickets apiece. The display was so dominant that even a dropped hat-trick opportunity by Abhishek Porel could not stall the inevitable result.

Final Reflections on the 2026 Season

As the league transitions into the knockout stages, the parity in the IPL remains one of its most exciting features. While the Sunrisers Hyderabad are currently favored by many, including seasoned professionals like Axar Patel, the tournament has a history of unpredictable results. The upcoming matches in New Chandigarh and Dharamsala will ultimately decide which franchise lifts the trophy. For the Delhi Capitals, the season ends with a positive trajectory, providing a foundation for growth as they look toward future editions of the league. With the playoffs approaching, fans can expect nothing less than maximum intensity from the remaining contenders as they vie for the ultimate prize in cricket.