Former India batter Dodda Ganesh launched sharp criticism at Delhi Capitals after their IPL 2026 clash against Chennai Super Kings on Tuesday. Delhi’s chase faltered soon after captain Axar Patel opted to bat, and the innings steadily slipped away at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
Quick facts
- Match: Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings (IPL 2026) on Tuesday
- Venue: Arun Jaitley Stadium
- Delhi batting: 155/7 in the innings after being 69/5 in 11 overs
- Key contributions: Sameer Rizvi 40* and Tristan Stubbs 38 added 65 runs
- CSK chase: Finished in 17.3 overs to win by 8 wickets
- Ganesh’s criticism: Axar’s selection and batting order decisions, including the omission of Prithvi Shaw, Abishek Porel, and David Miller
Chennai’s bowling kept Delhi under pressure, leaving them reeling at 69 for five in 11 overs. Rizvi stayed composed at the other end, remaining unbeaten on 40, while Stubbs made 38 as the pair stitched together a 65-run stand to lift Delhi towards a defendable total.
Ganesh posted on X to question the team management’s approach, focusing particularly on Axar’s choices. He highlighted the absence of Prithvi Shaw, Abishek Porel and David Miller from the playing XI and questioned whether the franchise was operating with proper clarity.
“There’s so much Indian batting talent available in Delhi’s camp. They can so easily open with Shaw/Rana/Porel along with KL, and have Miller in the middle order. Instead, the geniuses play Nissanka at the top and drop Miller. Tell me, how can this be a serious cricket team?” Ganesh wrote on X.
Delhi’s innings: early setbacks
Delhi’s trouble began almost immediately with opener Pathum Nissanka. He departed for 19 off 15 balls, failing to clear the mid-on fielder after misreading a slower delivery from Mukesh Choudhary.
KL Rahul then made 12 from 13 balls, but his dismissal came when he went for a risky shot off Akeal Hosein. He was caught by Chennai captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, and the momentum shifted further.
By the end of the powerplay, Delhi were 37 for two. Hosein produced multiple overs that kept the batters tied down, including the one that removed Rahul.
Axar Patel’s stay was brief as well. He was dismissed soon after, with Gurjapneet Singh’s delivery resulting in a catch for the cover fielder, pushing Delhi to 69 for five.
Stubbs and Rizvi did find boundaries during their partnership, including some momentum-building sixes. However, the earlier collapse had already done the damage, and Delhi eventually finished on 155 for seven, a total that proved too small against CSK.
CSK’s chase
Chennai reached the target comfortably in 17.3 overs. They sealed the win with eight wickets in hand, wrapping up the contest well before Delhi’s bowlers could regain control.
