The Delhi Capitals (DC) have fallen behind in the race to the playoffs after the defeat in a crucial encounter against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Tuesday evening in Delhi.
CSK chased down the target of 156, riding on Sanju Samson’s terrific knock of 87*, with 15 balls remaining.
This continued DC’s dismal record at the Arun Jaitley Stadium over the last two seasons. Since IPL 2025, DC have lost eight out of their 10 games at home, while they have a solid record away from home – 9 wins in 13 completed matches – in this period.
The variable pitches in Delhi have often come under the scanner and are regarded as one of the key reasons for DC’s unimpressive record here.
The pitches in Delhi have produced high-scoring encounters, matches where fast bowlers dominated, and a slow-burning game, such as DC vs CSK, in which the dry surface aided the spinners.
However, not all spinners made the conditions count on Tuesday night. On the surface on which Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, and Axar Patel picked up wickets and had miser economies, Kuldeep Yadav leaked 34 runs in three wicketless overs.
DC vs CSK: Axar Patel, Badani Lament Kuldeep Yadav’s Lack of Form
DC captain Axar thought while they had a “good score” in the first innings of 155, he didn’t get the required support from his spin-bowling partner Kuldeep.
“When we were bowling, I missed my partner Kuldeep,” Axar said. Without saying too much, the DC skipper implied plenty with a single sentence.
It was also a reflection by Axar on Kuldeep’s form this season. In IPL 2026, Kuldeep has picked up only 7 wickets at an average of 44 and an economy rate of 10.3.
Among the 19 spinners who have sent down at least 10 overs this season, Kuldeep has the worst economy rate. He has also conceded the most number of sixes so far in IPL 2026.
Delhi head coach Hemang Badani also lamented Kuldeep’s disappointing returns with the ball.
In the press conference, Badani said, “We would ideally want [him] to be better than this.”
Badani opined that Kuldeep has been missing his best form and rhythm and has not been bowling at ideal speeds. But the DC coach offered his backing to the wrist spinner.
“But we will rally around him. He has been somebody who has been part of this side for many, many years. He has done well for many, many years. I think he can turn this around,” Badani added.
“I think [it’s] more the case of someone striking form. He hasn’t struck peak form yet. He hasn’t bowled at the speeds he would normally bowl. It is a question of time. We have faith in him.”
Delhi are 7th in the points table, with 8 points to their name from 10 games. They need to win their remaining four games to finish at 16 points, which is considered the minimum number of points to remain in playoffs contention.
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