‘He will make sure the players are included’- Delhi Capitals assistant coach Matthew Mott on Axar’s leadership style

With three straight wins to put the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the top of the points table, captain Axar Patel has guided the team to an outstanding start in the 2025 Indian Premier League.

Axar has had a significant influence despite having little experience as a captain;

he led Gujarat in just 23 games across all formats and captained DC in just one game the previous season.

The left-arm bowler’s leadership approach was commended by DC assistant coach Matthew Mott, who joined the team before this season. The 31-year-old is not the only voice in the dressing room, he said. Mott emphasised the captain’s inclusive style, praising his capacity to foster teamwork and include all team members in decision-making.

“He has been outstanding. I obviously didn’t spend much time with him prior to this competition, but he simply strikes a wonderful balance between life and cricket. Most of the time, he will simply recap the group and ensure that the players are there, enjoying themselves, and smiling. He discusses that a lot. I believe he has now played enough cricket to understand that the game can occasionally be somewhat unpredictable. Before DC’s match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Mott stated, “You know very well that when you’re winning, everything is rosy and it’s all good,”

The coach also disclosed that the Indian cricket player, rather than doing everything on his own, depends on the assistance of coaches and experienced players and keeps a positive outlook even under trying circumstances. He also acknowledged that the cricketer, who was born in Gujarat, appears to embrace teamwork and strives to bring out the best in everyone he works with on the squad.

“I want to think that he has the kind of personality that will have a cheerful attitude even if we do have a difficult day. It will be a pretty similar message. I believe he also takes advantage of many of the coaches and other older players in the organisation.

“He isn’t handling everything by himself. He seems to be surrounded by some amazing folks. He may draw from a wealth of experience, especially at this location. He doesn’t seem to be the sole voice. Mott went on, “He wants to take advantage of others and make sure he’s getting the most out of those around him.”