Cricket News

Rehan Ahmed Trolls Axar Patel: England Spinner’s Sarcastic Take on Delhi Capitals’ Form

Ronav Bailey · · 4 min read

A Spicy Start for Rehan Ahmed at Delhi Capitals

In the high-pressure environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL), team chemistry is usually built through grueling practice sessions and strategic meetings. However, for the Delhi Capitals (DC), the newest addition to the squad, Rehan Ahmed, is building rapport through the timeless art of sporting banter. The England spinner, who joined the franchise as a replacement for Ben Duckett, has barely touched down in India before delivering a verbal ‘bomb’ aimed directly at his captain, Axar Patel.

While the DC camp is focusing on turning their season around, a viral Snapchat video shared by teammate Sameer Rizvi has captured a moment of unfiltered honesty—and heavy sarcasm—from the 21-year-old Ahmed. The video, which is currently doing the rounds on social media, shows the young Englishman effortlessly sliding into the role of the team’s chief critic.

The ’70-Remark’ That Sent the Internet Into a Frenzy

The interaction took place inside the team bus, where Sameer Rizvi was chatting with Ahmed about his initial impressions of the franchise. When Rizvi asked how his experience with the Delhi Capitals had been so far, Ahmed didn’t offer the standard corporate response of “great” or “exciting.” Instead, he opted for a brutal piece of sarcasm that highlighted the team’s inconsistency.

“Very good, one game 260 and one game 70,” Ahmed remarked with a smirk. The comment immediately sent Rizvi into fits of laughter, as the joke pointed toward the wild volatility of DC’s recent batting performances. To the uninitiated, the numbers might seem random, but for DC fans, they represent a rollercoaster of emotions that has defined their current campaign.

Decoding the Disaster: The RCB Humiliation

The “70” reference in Ahmed’s remark was a pointed jab at one of the most shameful outings in the history of the Delhi Capitals. On April 27, in a clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), DC suffered a collapse of epic proportions. The team was bundled out for a meager 75 runs, marking one of their lowest totals in IPL history.

The horror story began in the powerplay, where DC recorded the lowest powerplay score ever seen in the league. The top order crumbled spectacularly, with the team losing six wickets while struggling at a dismal 8 runs. While Abishek Porel and David Miller provided a brief moment of resistance to ensure they didn’t break the all-time record of 49 all-out (previously held by RCB), it was a futile effort. The Rajat Patidar-led RCB side chased down the target in just 6.3 overs, completing one of the fastest chases in the tournament’s history and leaving DC thoroughly humiliated.

The Irony of 264: High Scores, Same Result

If the RCB game was a disaster of scarcity, the match against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 25 was a disaster of excess. This was the “260” reference Ahmed mentioned. At the Arun Jaitley Stadium, DC looked invincible as they posted a mammoth total of 264 runs, powered by explosive knocks from KL Rahul and Nitish Rana.

However, in a cruel twist of fate, a massive score didn’t guarantee a victory. Punjab Kings chased down the mountain of runs inside 18.5 overs, crushing DC’s hopes in a high-scoring thriller. The bowling attack struggled to contain the onslaught, with the Jammu and Kashmir sensation Auqib Nabi proving expensive, conceding 41 runs from his two overs. Veteran Mukesh Kumar fared even worse, leaking 55 runs from his three-over spell without picking up a single wicket.

Can Axar Patel and Co. Bounce Back?

Currently, Axar Patel’s leadership is being tested as the team navigates a difficult stretch. Having played eight matches, DC has managed only three wins, leaving them with a modest six points. After a promising start to the campaign, the team has hit a wall, suffering a losing streak in their last three outings.

The road to redemption leads to Jaipur on May 1, where the Delhi Capitals will face the Rajasthan Royals (RR). This fixture is viewed as a “do-or-die” scenario for DC in their race for the playoffs. With their backs against the wall, the team will be desperate for a win to regain momentum. Fans are also eagerly anticipating whether Rehan Ahmed will transition from the team’s resident troll to its match-winner as he makes his potential debut on the field.

Whether it’s 75 runs or 264, the Delhi Capitals have provided plenty of talking points this season. Now, the question remains: can they find a middle ground and start winning consistently?

Ronav Bailey

Ronav Bailey is a senior cricket correspondent with The Hindu, covering Indian cricket and international tournaments for over 15 years. Known for his incisive match reports, long-form features on cricketing culture, and data-driven analysis, he has reported from three ICC Cricket World Cups and multiple IPL seasons. A regular voice on cricket podcasts and television panels, Bailey brings a nuanced understanding of South Asian cricket politics, player development, and the shifting dynamics between traditional formats and T20 leagues. A Chennai-based journalist, he is also the author of Cover Drives and Carrom Balls: The Changing Face of Indian Cricket. His writing blends sharp observation with a deep respect for the game's subcontinental roots.