Former India cricketer Dodda Ganesh has strongly criticised Delhi Capitals over their team selection during their IPL 2026 match against Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday. After captain Axar Patel chose to bat first, Delhi Capitals struggled and were reduced to 69 for five in 11 overs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Sameer Rizvi, who remained not out on 40, and Tristan Stubbs, who scored 38, added 65 runs to help the team reach 155 for seven. However, the early collapse proved costly as Chennai Super Kings chased down the target in just 17.3 overs, winning comfortably by 8 wickets.
Ganesh questions team management decisions
Ganesh took to X to question the team management and Axar Patel's decisions. He pointed to the absence of players like Prithvi Shaw, Abhishek Porel, and David Miller from the playing XI. He also questioned whether the team was functioning properly given the decisions taken.
"There's so much Indian batting talent available in Delhi's camp. They can so easily open with Shaw/Rana/Porel along with KL, & have Miller in the middle order. Instead, the geniuses play Nissanka at the top & drop Miller. Tell me, how can this be a serious cricket team?" Ganesh wrote on X.
Early batting collapse hurts Delhi
Delhi’s problems started early when opener Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for 19 off 15 balls, failing to clear the mid-on fielder off a slower ball from Mukesh Choudhary. KL Rahul scored 12 off 13 balls before getting out while trying to play a shot off Akeal Hosein, only to be caught by Chennai captain Ruturaj Gaikwad. Delhi reached 37 for two in the powerplay, with Hosein bowling several overs, including the one that got Rahul out.
Axar Patel was dismissed soon after, giving a catch to the cover fielder off Gurjapneet Singh, leaving the team at 69 for five. Stubbs and Rizvi then hit some sixes during their partnership, but the early collapse meant Delhi finished with 155 for seven, which proved insufficient against a strong CSK batting lineup.
Chennai Super Kings chased down the target with ease, winning by 8 wickets in 17.3 overs. The loss has raised further questions about Delhi Capitals' strategy and team selection as the IPL season progresses.
