KL Rahul has been a standout performer for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026, but the team’s batting concerns continue to grow ahead of their clash with Chennai Super Kings. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that DC’s biggest problem is becoming clear that they are relying too much on Rahul.
Before the CSK game, Chopra pointed out that while Rahul’s form has been exceptionalthe lack of consistent support from the rest of the batting line-up hurt DC at crucial times.
“Delhi doesn’t win in Delhi. In the previous three losses they suffered here, Delhi suffered heartbreak in all three matches. Every time there is a heartbreaking story. These losses are traumatic. So that’s a big deal,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“Another problem is that he relies too much on KL Rahul. He has been very, very good. He has scored 433 runs with a good strike rate, but the second highest run-scorer is Tristan Stubbs and his strike rate is less than 140. That just tells you there is a big gap,” added Chopra.
DC head into the clash against CSK at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi with eight points from nine matches, sitting seventh in the table. With names like Akeal Hosein, Jamie Overton and Noor Ahmad, CSK’s bowling unit is starting to find a rhythm and the pressure on their batting unit is only increasing.
WILL DC RELY TOO MUCH ON KL RAHUL?
The numbers make this argument hard to ignore.
Rahul has scored more than 433 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of around 185, including 152 not out and three fifties. He consistently provided starts and often carried the innings deep.
But outside of it, returns plummet.
Tristan Stubbs scored 219 runs at a strike rate of 139.49 in his debut season, while Pathum Nissanka chipped in with 209 runs at a strike rate of 159.54. However, the rest of the middle order struggled for consistency.
Sameer Rizvi got off to a good start but faded and posted a few single digit scores in the last few games. Skipper Axar Patel managed just 31 runs in six innings at an average of 6.20, while experienced names like David Miller failed to deliver at crunch time.
“They brought back Pathum Nissanko as an opener. Pathum scored runs so they will keep him there. Nitish Rana found his form. So that’s a good story. Sameer Rizvi was not able to score runs after the first two matches. That has to change. Ashutosh Sharma has been batting well. That has to continue,” added Axar little Patel with the bat.
This imbalance was also reflected in the results. DC suffered narrow defeats at home, including failing to defend 264, collapsing for 75 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
While their playoff race is at sea, it’s certainly not over. However, DC will need their experienced batsmen to take on CSK to ensure that the race does not get complicated further.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
May 5, 2026 1:29 PM IST
