IPL 2026 (WATCH): Axar Patel stands by David Miller amid ‘not alone’ controversy after DC’s heartbreaking loss to GT

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 continues to deliver high-octane drama and the 14th match of the season was no exception. The Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi turned into a cauldron of emotions on Wednesday. Delhi Capitals (DC) opposed Gujarat Titans (GT). In a contest that swung like a pendulum till the last delivery, the Titans managed to win by a narrow margin, defending their total of 210. While the scoreboard reflected the loss for Delhi, the real story emerged from the captain’s dressing room. Akhar Patel demonstrated leadership far beyond the tactical boundaries of the game.

Axar Patel backs David Miller on ‘not single’ line-up in DC dressing room

The climax of the match revolved around a controversial “not single” challenge David Miller. As DC needed just two runs off the last two balls, Miller gave up one run at long-on, Kuldeep Yadav back to the non-striker end. Miller’s gamble to end the game with a boundary backfired when he missed a slower bounce. Prasidh Krishna on the last ball, a desperate run out by Kuldeep resulted in a heartbreaking defeat.

Social media has scrutinized the veteran South African, however, the captain Akhar Patel he was firm in defending his teammate. In his dressing-room speech, Akhar reminded the team that DC could not have won without Miller’s 20-for-41, including a monstrous six-ball 106m.

“At the beginning of this season, I told you all to control your emotions and stay calm in any situation. We all feel sad, sad, but we can still smile, that’s okay. It’s a long tournament. If he (Miller) hadn’t hit that six, you know we wouldn’t be in the game. We will go to Chennai and start again. Keep smiling“,” Akhar said while gathering in the dressing room after the match.

Axar’s “player-first” approach served as a soothing balm for a jittery Miller, who returned to lead the attack after briefly retiring early in the match with a finger injury.

We present the video:

We keep laughing 😄💙 pic.twitter.com/DWdyihcmzA

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 9, 2026

Also WATCH: GT coach Ashish Nehra is fuming in the dugout over the dismissal of Shubman Gill against DC.

GT picked up 2 points against DC after the shock in Delhi

Gujarat Titans will leave Delhi with a huge momentum. Their victory was built on the foundation of an aggressive batting led by him If Buttler(52) and Capt Shubman Gill (70), followed by a surprising but brilliant 55 Washington Sundar. Although it was great from 92 KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka‘s pacey 41, the Titans’ bowling department caught their nerves. Rashid Khan was a game changer with a 3/17 claim to stifle the middle order and ensure GT secured those two crucial points.

This defeat for Delhi Capitals is a tough pill to swallow, marking their first loss of the season after a promising start. However, the tournament is going fast. DC must now turn their attention to the next high-profile matchup Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. The move to Chennai’s spin-friendly tracks will test Axar’s leadership and the team’s ability to bounce back from this tactical and emotional rollercoaster.

Also WATCH: Rashid Khan smashes Sameer Rizvi’s stumps during DC vs GT.