Delhi Capitals’ Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao has openly criticised the team’s top-order batting display following their heavy defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad in their IPL 2026 clash, stating that a slow Powerplay cost them the match despite chasing a massive target of 243.
Batting first, SRH posted a daunting 242/2, powered by a record-breaking 135 off 68 balls from Abhishek Sharma. In response, Delhi Capitals were unable to keep up with the required tempo and eventually fell short, finishing at 195/9.
Rahul, Nitish Rana Under Spotlight
Opening the innings, KL Rahul managed 37 off 23 balls, while partner Pathum Nissanka fell early for 8 off 6 deliveries. At No. 3, Nitish Rana tried to stabilise the innings with a brisk 57 off 30 balls, but DC’s overall Powerplay output of 59 runs proved insufficient against a towering target.
Speaking after the match, Venugopal Rao pointed out that Delhi Capitals were at least 15–20 runs short of what was required in the first six overs.
“When chasing a target of 240-plus, a strong start in the first six overs is essential. We fell short. Ideally, we needed 80–90 runs in the Powerplay,” Rao said, adding that the team failed to capitalise despite having strong batting depth.
“KL Rahul Didn’t Get Enough Strike”
Rao also highlighted the lack of strike Rahul received after Nissanka’s dismissal. According to him, the imbalance in strike rotation disrupted Rahul’s rhythm at a crucial stage.
“He hardly faced deliveries after Pathum Nissanka got out. As a batter, you need time in the middle to settle and accelerate. Nitish Rana ended up facing more balls, and that shifted momentum towards SRH,” he explained.
Tactical Decisions and Bowling Choices
The DC Director of Cricket was also questioned about the decision to use Nitish Rana’s part-time bowling for four overs, while specialist spinner Kuldeep Yadav bowled only two. Rao defended the call, stating that such decisions are made on-field based on match situations.
“In T20 cricket, these are instant decisions. If a gamble works, it is praised; if it doesn’t, it is questioned. That’s how the format is,” he said.
Fielding Errors Prove Costly
Rao further admitted that missed chances in the field proved decisive, particularly against SRH opener Abhishek Sharma, who went on to dominate with a match-winning century.
He pointed out that KL Rahul missed a run-out opportunity and Nissanka dropped a crucial catch when Abhishek was well set.
“When a player like Abhishek gives you chances, you have to take them. He was dropped twice, and we paid the price,” Rao said.
Delhi Capitals now sit mid-table with three wins from six matches, as the defeat raises concerns over their execution in high-pressure chases and their ability to convert key moments into results.
