"Batted with Complete Control": Shane Watson Hails KL Rahul and Axar Patel's Stellar Performance in IPL 2025

In IPL 2025 Match No. 40, the Delhi Capitals (DC) defeated the Lucknow Super Giants to win their sixth game of the year. The encounter at the BRSABV Ekana Stadium ended with the visiting team winning by eight wickets, with the final touches provided by captain Axar Patel and senior batsman KL Rahul. 

The performances of KL Rahul and Axar Patel could not be overlooked, even if Mukesh Kumar was rightfully declared the player of the match for his amazing four-wicket haul in the game. In addition to Axar's incredibly economical period with the ball, the India pair ensured that the team remained in the game till the very end. Axar maintained the ball tight at one end, which caused the wickets to tumble at the other, but he was unable to capture a wicket in his four overs.

Shane Watson, a former cricket player for Australia, commended KL Rahul of the Delhi Capitals for his calm and strategic batting style against the Lucknow Super Giants in Tuesday's Indian Premier League match. During his appearance on Match Centre Live on JioHotstar, Watson emphasised Rahul's versatility and worth to the Delhi Capitals squad.

Shane Watson Applauds KL Rahul and Axar Patel:

On Jiostar, Shane said, "KL Rahul just did what he does best--Watson reflects on DC's batter innings against LSG. He didn't need to take risks, just played a steady hand and picked his moments. What stands out is his ability to switch gears--he's taken the game on throughout the tournament, but today he was calm, composed, and calculated. That kind of flexibility gives Delhi Capitals so much depth."

He further added, “The pitch did get better to bat on, but it was Axar Patel’s intent from ball one that stood out. LSG didn’t bowl particularly well to him early on, but he capitalised. It was the kind of innings LSG needed from Rishabh Pant. Axar stood up for his team, bowled his four overs straight, led from the front, and made an impact. You can see he really wants to play his part as skipper—something we haven’t quite seen from Rishabh."

Regarding the play of both players, Rahul continued to lead the Delhi-based team in runs scored this season without stopping. The Bengaluru-born player's greatest accomplishment, though, was breaking the league's 5000-run barrier. In addition, the famous cricket player passed David Warner as the fastest person to reach the significant milestone.

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