Delhi Capitals seem to have accepted their failure in the playoffs, but they could still play the role of party poopers for the other teams fighting to qualify for the next stage of the Indian Premier League this season.
Plagued by inconsistency throughout the campaign, the party led by Axar Patel is currently eighth in the points table with eight points and only three games to go.
“We want to finish as high up the table as we can and that positivity is really important,” assistant head coach Ian Bell said ahead of their clash with Punjab Kings at the HPSA Stadium in Dharamsala.
They have just six more points in their remaining three matches, DC can end up with 14 points at bestwhich still might not be enough, especially with three teams already sitting on 12 points with games in hand.
Axar reflected on the team’s disappointing campaign and had already accepted defeat. “We will think about our mistakes. We will start planning for next year. We can look at our bench and see who will start for us,” Axar said after the match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Bell admitted the biggest reason for their struggles this season has been inconsistency.
“It’s been inconsistent. I think we’re sitting here now looking at a couple of games where we’ve had our opportunities and when you’re playing in the IPL and at the highest level of cricket against world-class players, you’ve got to take advantage of those moments. We probably weren’t ruthless enough,” he said.
KL RAHUL AND BATTLING INCONSISTENCY
Bell also pointed to the batting unit’s inability to deliver consistently while singling out KL Rahul for praise. “I think with KL, like any good player, you’re always trying to improve wherever you are in your career,” Bell added.
“It would be nice to have more consistent players alongside him as well. I think the reason the batting was the way it was was because we were too inconsistent. There were days when we scored 260 and then the next game we got 70. You can’t afford that at this level.”
Rahul was probably in the form of his life for the franchise in terms of strike ratescore of 468 runs in 11 innings at a strike of 180.
“I think he obviously realized he wanted to play with a little more intent and we’ve seen the numbers this year. They’ve taken a huge step forward. But he’s a first-class player. The way he thinks about the game, the way he coaches, he’s been a joy to be around and he’s led us incredibly well with the bat,” Bell said.
The next highest run-scorer for DC is opening partner Pathum Nissanka, who managed 278 runs in 10 innings. DC will take on Rajasthan Royals in Delhi on May 17 and conclude their league campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens on May 24.
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Published on:
11 May 2026 12:30 PM IST
