The moment Axar Patel retired from his match, which he played for Delhi Capitals against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, Krunal Pandya created a special moment, which helped RCB advance their IPL Fair Play Award standings.
Axar showed strong batting performance during IPL 2026 despite his previous difficulties, but he experienced extreme pain when he entered the batting match against RCB on Saturday. Krunal Pandya helped him walk off the field because he supported him like a brother, which created one of the most touching IPL moments in the tournament's history.
Before his first match against RCB in DC IPL 2026, Axar Patel had three scores of duck, 2 and 1. He scored 26 off 19 balls, including three fours, and helped DC stay in control against the Rajat Patidar-led side. He experienced additional pain during the match which required two breaks because of his medical condition.
The umpires resumed play after the initial break but they had to stop again when he reported his second medical issue. Axar Patel had to leave the match because of his injury which created problems for Delhi Capitals who were preparing for their upcoming IPL 2026 matches.
The IPL Fair Play Award operates as a seasonal award which continues until the end of the competition. RCB currently holds the ninth position in the table while they remain one spot above Delhi Capitals.
Current IPL Fair Play Standings:
- Mumbai Indians (MI): 10.20 Avg (51 pts)
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK): 10.00 Avg (50 pts)
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): 10.00 Avg (50 pts)
- Punjab Kings (PBKS): 10.00 Avg (50 pts)
- Rajasthan Royals (RR): 10.00 Avg (50 pts)
- Gujarat Titans (GT): 9.75 Avg (39 pts)
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): 9.60 Avg (48 pts)
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): 9.60 Avg (48 pts)
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): 9.20 Avg (46 pts)
- Delhi Capitals (DC): 8.25 Avg (33 pts)
Krunal's gesture which he made through his behavior will assist his team in achieving better results which will improve their position in the IPL Fair Play standings. Delhi Capitals lost control of their chase against RCB who wore green jerseys on Saturday because KL Rahul scored a half-century on his birthday and Axar Patel left the game after getting injured and Axar made a fast batting performance.
David Miller transformed the match after he hit Romario Shepherd throughout the stadium which led DC to victory with one ball remaining and six wickets still standing. The victory enabled Delhi Capitals to reach fourth position on the IPL points table.