India and Delhi Capital pacer Mukesh Kumar has praised Axar Patel's leadership style, emphasising the all-rounder's composed manner and optimistic outlook as crucial elements in creating a positive atmosphere inside the team.

Before the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Mukesh told reporters that Axar is a player-friendly captain who encourages open communication and backs his teammates to express themselves on the field. He further added that Axae wants his players to play freely on the pitch.

"He is a very good person. He is always positive. I get to talk to him about field placement. He tells me to play freely," Mukesh Kumar said.

Mukesh Kumar also revealed that he is working on expanding his bowling arsenal, focusing mainly on deliveries that could bring him success in the T20 format.
Speaking about his preparation for the upcoming season of the IPL, Mukesh admitted he is focusing on delivering yorkers and wide yorkers, an important skill in modern-day cricket. He further added that he is trying to improve the consistency of length balls ahead of the IPL

"Obviously, I am working on everything, along with the length ball, which is required in a T20. And if there is a yorker or a wide yorker, it is optional for every bowler. So everything is being worked on," Mukesh Kumar said.

Delhi Capitals will begin their season campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1. Their next clash will be against the Mumbai Indians on April 4, followed by their matches against the Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings on April 8 and April 11, respectively.

The Delhi Capitals have never won the IPL trophy. They reached the final in 2020 when they were beaten by the Mumbai Indians. Axar Patel-led team will be aiming to win their maiden title in 2026.

Delhi Capitals squad for IPL 2026:

Nitish Rana, Abishek Porel, Ajay Mandal, Ashutosh Sharma, Axar Patel, Dushmantha Chameera, Karun Nair, KL Rahul, Kuldeep Yadav, Madhav Tiwari, Mitchell Starc, Sameer Rizvi, T Natarajan, Tripurana Vijay, Tristan Stubbs, Vipraj Nigam, David Miller, Ben Duckett, Auqib Nabi, Pathum Nissanka, Lungi Ngidi, Sahil Parakh, Prithvi Shaw, Kyle Jamieson.

(With ANI Input)