Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, May 6: Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel made a candid admission after his team’s eight-wicket loss to Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2026, stating that the side “missed” spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s effectiveness despite him featuring in the match.

Reflecting on the defeat, Axar conceded that DC fell short with the bat, posting 155 on a surface that offered assistance to bowlers. “We were about 10-15 runs short,” he said, adding that the pitch became easier for set batters while remaining challenging for new entrants.

“Initially, I felt it was a good score, but the difference was made by a set batter. For new batters, it wasn’t easy as the ball was holding up, staying low, and sometimes bouncing unpredictably,” Axar explained, pointing to Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 87 as the key factor in CSK’s comfortable chase.

Despite Kuldeep bowling three overs in the match, Axar indicated that the team lacked his usual impact. “In bowling, I missed my partner Kuldeep,” he remarked, subtly highlighting the spinner’s ineffective outing, where he conceded 34 runs without taking a wicket.

Kuldeep’s struggles have been a concern for DC this season, with the left-arm wrist spinner yet to find consistent rhythm.

Axar, however, drew positives from the lower-order fightback, with Sameer Rizvi (40*) and Tristan Stubbs (38) helping the team recover after losing five early wickets.

With the playoff race intensifying, the DC skipper emphasised the need for urgency and clarity going forward. “We cannot afford mistakes now. Whatever chances we get, we must win,” he said, ahead of their upcoming clash against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Delhi Capitals currently find themselves in a tight spot on the points table, with little margin for error in the remaining matches.