IPL 2026: Sticky Arun Jaitley pitch aided hard lengths, CSK confident of chasing 156, says Gurjapneet
Synopsis
The sticky surface at Arun Jaitley Stadium turned out to be a fast bowler's dream. CSK's Gurjapneet Singh exploited hard lengths to perfection, and while Sameer Rizvi's late counter-attack lifted Delhi Capitals to 155/7, the five-time champions believe the target is gettable — especially if the pitch continues to offer assistance.
Key Takeaways
Delhi Capitals scored 155/7 against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026 on 5 May at Arun Jaitley Stadium .
Gurjapneet Singh took 1 for 29 in four overs; Noor Ahmad was CSK's standout bowler with two wickets .
DC's top order collapsed, with KL Rahul , Nissanka , Rana , Patel , and Nair all dismissed cheaply.
Sameer Rizvi and Tristan Stubbs stabilised DC with a 65-run partnership.
Sticky pitch conditions made hard-length deliveries effective; CSK backs itself to chase 156 .
Chennai Super Kings left-arm pacer Gurjapneet Singh attributed the effectiveness of his bowling to the sticky and slow surface at Arun Jaitley Stadium, as the five-time champions restricted Delhi Capitals to 155/7 in their IPL 2026 encounter on 5 May. The Delhi pitch's grip made hard-length deliveries difficult to negotiate, allowing CSK's pace attack to dictate terms during the powerplay and middle overs.
Pitch conditions dictate bowling strategy
Gurjapneet, who finished with 1 for 29 in four overs, explained that variations became secondary once the surface began to grip. "The wicket was sticky at the start with the new ball, especially till the middle overs; it was difficult to play from the hard length," he told broadcasters at the innings break. "Once we realised the wicket grips, keeping to the same length made it hard to hit."
DC's top-order collapse
Delhi Capitals' innings unravelled early, with KL Rahul and Pathum Nissanka dismissed during the Powerplay. Middle-order batsmen Nitish Rana, Axar Patel, and Karun Nair also fell cheaply, leaving the hosts at 69/5 — a precarious position from which recovery seemed unlikely.
Late recovery lifts DC total
Impact substitute Sameer Rizvi partnered Tristan Stubbs in a 65-run stand that steadied DC's innings and pushed the total to 155/7. The partnership prevented a complete capitulation, though the damage from the top-order collapse had already been done. CSK's disciplined bowling ensured no further acceleration in the death overs.
CSK's bowling performance
Wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad was CSK's standout bowler with two wickets, while Akeal Hosein and Mukesh Choudhary took one each. Pacer Anshul Kamboj proved expensive in the death overs but did not derail the overall effort. The collective discipline ensured Delhi Capitals stayed within 155 — a total Gurjapneet felt CSK could pursue.
CSK's chase outlook
"I thought we'd restrict them to around 140-145, but 155 is still within reach," Gurjapneet said, signalling CSK's confidence heading into the chase. The pitch conditions that favoured the bowlers in the first innings may well play a role in the second, though the dew factor could alter the dynamics as the evening progresses.
Point of View
Turning what could have been a 170-plus total into a manageable 155. Sameer Rizvi's late counter-attack was the only moment of real resistance. For CSK's chase, the real question is whether the dew and continued pitch deterioration will swing momentum back to the batsmen. If the surface stays sticky, this is a chase CSK should win.
NationPress
28 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Gurjapneet Singh say about the Arun Jaitley Stadium pitch?
Gurjapneet attributed CSK's bowling effectiveness to the sticky and slow nature of the surface. Hard-length deliveries were difficult to hit, especially in the powerplay and middle overs, and he emphasised that variations became less important once the pitch began to grip.
Why did Delhi Capitals struggle against CSK?
Delhi Capitals' top order collapsed early, with KL Rahul, Pathum Nissanka, Nitish Rana, Axar Patel, and Karun Nair all dismissed cheaply. The sticky pitch made it difficult to play freely, and CSK's disciplined bowling kept the hosts at 69/5 before a late recovery.
Who stabilised Delhi Capitals' innings?
Impact substitute Sameer Rizvi partnered Tristan Stubbs in a 65-run stand that lifted Delhi Capitals from a precarious position and helped them reach 155/7.
Which CSK bowlers stood out?
Wrist-spinner Noor Ahmad was CSK's standout performer with two wickets. Akeal Hosein and Mukesh Choudhary took one each, while pacer Anshul Kamboj was expensive at the death but did not derail the overall effort.
Is 155 a gettable target for CSK?
Yes, according to Gurjapneet Singh. He felt CSK would have restricted Delhi Capitals to around 140-145, so 155 remains within reach. The sticky pitch conditions could favour bowlers in the chase as well, but CSK's quality batting line-up is expected to cope.
