'We are allowed to lose. Big smile please': Axar Patel's dressing room message after DC's defeat to MI

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 14, 2025, 18:14 IST

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Delhi Capitals faced a defeat against Mumbai Indians, ending their winning streak. Despite the loss, the team's spirit remained high. Skipper Axar Patel encouraged the team to stay positive. Coach Hemang Badani praised individual performances, especially Karun Nair's impressive return. The team is focused on maintaining momentum and looking ahead to future games.

'We are allowed to lose. Big smile please': Axar Patel's dressing room message after DC's defeat to MI

Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel, right, during a practice session. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: After Delhi Capitals' thrilling four-match winning streak came to a dramatic end against Mumbai Indians in their first home game of IPL 2025, skipper Axar Patel delivered a powerful message in the dressing room: “We are allowed to lose.”
The Capitals lost the high-octane clash by 12 runs, with their chase unraveling in the penultimate over, bowled by Jasprit Bumrah, — a bizarre sequence that saw the last three wickets fall to consecutive run-outs. Despite the disappointment, DC's dressing room atmosphere remained defiant and positive.
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In a behind-the-scenes video shared by the franchise on Monday, Axar was seen rallying his team. “Big smile on the face, please. It's okay, we are allowed to lose. Don't worry, guys. Cheers. Big smile please,” he told the squad.

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Head coach Hemang Badani echoed the sentiment, applauding individual performances while encouraging the team to focus on the positives. “We've had Karun who got a 90 [89] and Abishek who got a 35 [33]… I'm not thinking too hard about it. The next time we chase, I'm sure we'll do it with the same intent and bravery.”

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Badani especially praised Karun Nair, who smashed 89 off 40 balls in his return to the IPL after three years. “He's only got nine first-class hundreds this year. He was itching for a chance… That was something special,” he said.
He also lauded Kuldeep Yadav (2/23) and young Abishek Porel for sticking to the game plan, urging the team to “stay positive” and keep the momentum going.
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The loss pushed Delhi Capitals to second in the table, but the mood in the camp remains focused and optimistic.

Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, points table and IPL live score for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Don't miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap.

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