“There’s still plenty of motivation,” says Assistant Coach Mott as Delhi Capitals look to end IPL 2025 on high

Delhi Capitals will lock horns with Punjab Kings in their final match of IPL 2025

Khel Today Bureau

Jaipur: The JSW and GMR co-owned franchise Delhi Capitals will look to conclude IPL 2025 on a winning note as they take on Punjab Kings in their last match of the season at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur on Saturday.

Reflecting on the campaign, Delhi Capitals Assistant coach Matthew Mott said, “There’s still plenty of motivation (to play this last game). Yes, we had a disappointing end to what was an encouraging campaign. We obviously came out of the box in the early stage, won a lot of games early, but the second half has been patchy. So, I think it’s an opportunity for us to sign off on a positive note.”

Talking about Axar Patel’s availability, the 51-year-old said, “The honest answer is I don’t fully know. He’s not training today. But, we’ll find out when we get back there today. Obviously, he wasn’t well the other day. He’s had a pretty rugged time with a few different little niggle and injuries. I’m sure he’s motivated to come out and play, but we’ll probably know a little bit more tonight when we go back and see the medical stuff.”

“Samir (Rizvi) in the last game looked really good. Abhishek Porel has played some really good counter-punching knocks and probably his next step is turning them into match-winning contributions. But throughout our group is exciting and talented,” he further said.

Mott lavished praise on Indian young talent and added, “Someone like Vipraj (Nigam) who came under the radar this year right from the first match, played pivotal innings with the bat. I thought he was magnificent the other day when he came out and nearly turned the game. He’s been entrusted with big overs, power play overs and crucial overs.”

The Axar Patel-led side will leave no stone unturned to wrap the proceedings on a high.