Axar Patel admitted that the absence of rhythm in his spin partnership proved costly as Delhi Capitals slumped to an eight-wicket defeat against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026.
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Axar highlights Kuldeep factor after bowling struggles
Speaking after the match, the DC skipper pointed out that the team fell short both with the bat and in execution with the ball, while also stressing the importance of his partnership with Kuldeep Yadav.
“I thought 155 was a good score but we felt at the end that we were 10-15 short. Once the set batters were playing it was fine, but it was not easy for the new batter. The length ball was holding and also keeping low. The way we batted after losing 5 wickets is a positive. But in bowling I missed my partner in Kuldeep. Now there's no room for error and we have to win all our 5 remaining matches.”
Kuldeep, who is usually a key figure in DC’s bowling plans, managed only three overs, conceding 34 runs without picking up a wicket, leaving Axar short of support in the middle overs.
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DC’s modest total undone as CSK cruise to victory
Delhi Capitals once again struggled with the bat, putting up 155 in 20 overs. Contributions from Tristan Stubbs (38 off 31), Sameer Rizvi (40 off 24), and Ashutosh Sharma (14 off 5) helped salvage the innings after a shaky start.
For CSK, Noor Ahmad led the bowling effort with two wickets, while Akeal Hosein, Mukesh Choudhary, Gurjapneet Singh, and Jamie Overton chipped in with one wicket each.
In reply, CSK dominated the chase with authority. Sanju Samson anchored the innings with an unbeaten 87, while Kartik Sharma remained not out on 41, sealing the win comfortably.
For DC, only Axar (25/1) and Lungi Ngidi (30/1) managed to pick up wickets as CSK chased down the target with ease. DC sits on sevent place with four wins and six defeats while CSK remains at sixth spot with five wins and five losses in ten games.