Former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh criticized Delhi Capitals’ team selection after the Axar Patel-led side dropped David Miller against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match at home on Tuesday. The former Karnataka star also questioned Pathum Nissanko’s place in the playing eleven despite repeated setbacks.
With Lungi Ngidi and Mitchell Starc shut down in the bowling department and Tristan Stubbs in the middle order as the three overseas players, the Delhi Capitals think tank had a choice between Miller and Nissanka. In the end, it was the veteran middle-order batsman from South Africa who had to pay.
Against CSK, Nissanka survived just 15 balls for his 19 runs. One of the reasons Delhi Capitals stuck with the Sri Lankan was his match-winning 62 against Rajasthan Royals. In fact, it was Nissanka’s only fifties so far in IPL 2026. He has been out in the 40s three times this season.
Ganesh, who has played four Tests and one ODI for India, took to X (formerly Twitter) to ask why Indian talent is not being used at the top of the order. “There is so much Indian batting talent available in the Delhi camp. They can so easily open Shaw/Rana/Porel along with KL and have Miller in the middle order,” Ganesh wrote.
Notably, Delhi Capitals tried 18-year-old Sahil Parikh against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) but to no avail. “Instead the geniuses are playing Nissanko at the top and dropping Miller. Tell me how this can be a serious cricket team?” Ganesh added.
While Prithvi Shaw is yet to play a match, Nitish Rana scored 91 against Punjab Kings. Avishek Porel won the game against RCB and top scored with 30 after coming on as an Impact Substitute. That’s not all. Moments later, Ganesh posted, “Delhi does Delhi. Again. The consistency with which they do it is unbelievable #IPL2026.”
David Miller, Pathum Nissanka in IPL 2026
In nine matches so far, Nissanka managed just 228 runs at an average of 25.33 and a strike rate of 156.16. In addition to his 62 against Rajasthan Royals, the Sri Lankan opener has scored between two notable scores of 41 and one 44. As for Miller, the South African has played eight matches and scored 123 runs, with a best of 41 not out.
Delhi Capitals slumped to 8 wickets
Riding on strikes from Stubbs (38) and Sameer Rizvi (40 not out), Delhi Capitals managed 155/7 in 20 overs. In reply, Sanju Samson guided CSK to an eight-wicket win with a 52-ball 87 not out. Samson was given a good hand by young Kartik Sharma who remained unbeaten on 31 balls 41. CSK chased down the target in 17.3 overs with eight wickets in hand.
The result saw CSK resume sixth place with five wins and 10 points. Delhi Capitals remain seventh with just four wins from 10 matches.
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