Is DC at Risk of Missing the Playoffs After Once Leading?

New Delhi, May 6 (NationPress) Former Indian spinner Piyush Chawla shared insights on the recent downturn of the Delhi Capitals, noting that the team, led by Axar Patel, which seemed to be a strong playoff contender, now risks failing to secure a top-four finish.

On Monday, their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad was abandoned due to heavy rainfall at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, resulting in both teams earning a point.

This outcome leaves DC in fifth place with 13 points from 11 matches, while SRH sits at eighth with 7 points from the same number of games, intensifying this season's playoff race.

DC still holds a solid opportunity as they have upcoming matches against Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, and Punjab Kings. If they secure victories in all three games, finishing with 19 points, they could significantly improve their chances of a top-two placement.

Chawla expressed, "It will be extremely challenging. They have lost four out of their last six matches. Although the game against SRH wasn't completely lost for DC, it appeared to favor SRH based on the score they set. The next three matches are crucial, and they must win at least two, ideally all three, which requires their seasoned players to deliver results," during his comments on JioHotstar.

Prior to the rain interruption, captain Pat Cummins (3-19) delivered a remarkable performance, claiming the wicket of Karun Nair on the first ball. He followed with dismissals of Faf du Plessis and Abhishek Porel in subsequent overs, leaving DC in a precarious position at 26/4 within the powerplay.

Jaydev Unadkat's dismissal of KL Rahul and Cummins' spectacular catch to eliminate Axar Patel left DC at 47/5 by the midway point. A partnership between Ashutosh Sharma (41) and Tristan Stubbs (41 not out) managed to create a 66-run alliance, lifting DC to a total of 133/7.

Chawla commented on DC's frequent changes to their opening lineup, highlighting the uncertainty at the top. "When KL Rahul opened, it was a necessary adjustment due to Faf du Plessis’ injury. Rahul was intended to bat at No. 3 or 4 to stabilize the innings during critical moments. DC has experimented with six or seven different combinations at the top. Their most significant gamble was Jake Fraser-McGurk, which has not yielded results recently," he mentioned.

"However, I believe they should revert to him — if he performs, he could provide a dynamic start in the powerplay. If not, it won't differ from the current situation. Now is the moment for bold decisions as they are in a do-or-die scenario. A team that previously seemed the frontrunner for a playoff spot is now at risk of complete elimination," Chawla concluded.

DC initially had a strong start to their campaign, clinching five victories in their first six matches, but their momentum declined in the latter half, with only one win in the next five matches, one of which ended without a result.

Sanjay Bangar, former India cricketer and coach, commented on DC's recent challenges, stating, "They’ve lost their rhythm, and when the openers fail, it signals trouble for any T20 team. When the top three succeed, it alleviates pressure on the middle order and uplifts morale in the dugout. However, losing two or three wickets in the powerplay can lead to complete disorder."

"Finding themselves with half the team gone for under 60 was a difficult position for DC. Nonetheless, credit goes to the partnership between Ashutosh Sharma and Tristan Stubbs; they provided DC with a fighting chance, which could have resulted in a competitive total."

DC's next match will be against the Punjab Kings in Dharamshala on May 8, while SRH will face KKR at home on May 10.