Axar Patel Picks SRH as IPL 2026 Playoff Favourites After DC Exit

After Delhi Capitals lost to Kolkata Knight Riders, captain Axar Patel named Sunrisers Hyderabad as the strongest team heading into the playoffs. He praised their top three batters.

AXAR PATEL on asked about Qualifiers
(on the strongest team among the qualifiers)

“I think SRH are looking very strong. When their top 3 score runs, that team becomes very difficult to stop. So I think SRH.”

(Post match interview) pic.twitter.com/Xj2SselmfP

— ORANGE ARMY (@SUNRISERSU) May 25, 2026

“Once their top order clicks, they become very hard to stop,” Axar said during the post-match chat. He highlighted Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Heinrich Klaasen as the players who make SRH a dangerous side.

Sunrisers Hyderabad finished third on the points table with 18 wins. Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended at the top, while Gujarat Titans came second. Rajasthan Royals grabbed the fourth and final spot.

The playoffs begin this week. Qualifier 1 between RCB and GT will take place on Tuesday. The Eliminator between SRH and RR is scheduled for Wednesday. The winner of Qualifier 1 goes straight to the final. The loser gets another chance in Qualifier 2 against the Eliminator winner.

The IPL 2026 final will be played on May 31 in Ahmedabad.

                                               

Relevant news