Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel admitted his side fell short in both batting and bowling execution after their heavy eight-wicket defeat to Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026 on Tuesday. Speaking after the match, Axar reflected on missed opportunities and highlighted the absence of impact from key players, including spinner Kuldeep Yadav, in a game where CSK chased down the target comfortably.

Axar said the team believed a score of around 155 was competitive on a pitch that initially appeared slightly sticky and offered assistance to bowlers. However, he conceded that Delhi Capitals were likely “10–15 runs short,” particularly given that they batted with an extended line-up featuring eight batters. He pointed out that the inability to build a stronger total cost them momentum in the match.

CSK’s chase was anchored by a dominant unbeaten 87 from Sanju Samson, who capitalised on conditions that improved for set batters as the innings progressed. Reflecting on the pitch behaviour, Axar noted that while the surface initially offered uneven bounce and grip for bowlers, it became increasingly easier for batters who were already settled at the crease. He emphasised that this transition played a decisive role in the outcome.

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“When a batter is well set, it feels like there is nothing in the pitch, but I still feel there was something in it,” Axar said, adding that new batters found it difficult to adjust. He explained that the ball was occasionally holding up, staying low, or bouncing unpredictably, making stroke play challenging for incoming players. In contrast, set batters like Samson were able to negate those difficulties and accelerate effectively.

Despite the loss, Axar acknowledged some positives in the lower-order batting efforts, particularly from Sameer Rizvi, who remained unbeaten on 40, and Tristan Stubbs, who contributed 38 runs. However, he stressed that the top-order collapse placed unnecessary pressure on the middle and lower order, which ultimately limited the team’s ability to post a more competitive total.

Axar also indirectly pointed to the underwhelming performance of Kuldeep Yadav, who went wicketless and conceded 34 runs in his three overs. While avoiding direct criticism, the DC skipper admitted he “missed his partner” in the bowling attack, suggesting that the team lacked the expected cutting edge in the middle overs. Kuldeep has struggled for consistency in IPL 2026, and his latest outing added to concerns over his form.

With the playoff race intensifying, Axar said Delhi Capitals can no longer afford errors and must adopt a more decisive mindset in upcoming fixtures. He emphasised the need for urgency and clarity as DC prepare for a crucial home clash against Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday, a match that could significantly shape their qualification hopes.

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