Delhi Capitals batter Tristan Stubbs has pushed back on criticism of the side’s batting, arguing that the recent “worse” narrative has been amplified mainly because Delhi have been chasing in every match this season. While he admitted the team have not yet managed a fully “perfect” innings, Stubbs pointed to the Capitals’ overall output and insisted there is still plenty to be positive about, even after multiple defeats in demanding chases.
Why Delhi’s batting has looked under pressure
- Stubbs said perceptions around Delhi’s batting have turned negative because they have been in pursuit of targets throughout the campaign.
- He acknowledged that the team have not produced a flawless innings, but noted Delhi have still managed three wins from six matches.
- Stubbs highlighted that even in losses, the Capitals have generally scored in the 190s.
- He also pointed to the way early wickets have fallen in clusters, with the side often needing a steadying phase from the middle order.
Delhi are currently positioned at three wins and three defeats from six games, and they have not yet posted a total strong enough to defend. All three of their losses have come while chasing targets above 200, underlining how tough those late-match scenarios have been. In two of those defeats, Delhi failed to reach the 200-run mark—falling short against Chennai Super Kings by 23 runs and against Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs.
Speaking at the pre-match media interaction, Stubbs said the pattern of always chasing has made the performances appear more alarming. He explained that in one recent match, the team lost three wickets in an over and still ended up scoring in the 190s, adding that those scores reflect the batting’s ability to build momentum even when conditions tighten.
Batting role and approach in the middle overs
Stubbs has frequently been called upon to stabilise Delhi’s innings after early wickets, with his position in the batting order varying between No. 5 and No. 7 depending on the game plan and match situation.
He said he is comfortable with where he bats and would be happy to bat higher if the opportunity arises. Stubbs also described how his experience across formats has helped him adjust his tempo, saying that the ability to change gears is central to his approach. He believes batting in partnerships is key, and he pointed out that in the two matches he referenced, the rate remained under control and the innings were shaped by a key partnership in each case.
Feroz Shah Kotla and the hope for a low-scoring day game
With Feroz Shah Kotla not having produced many high-scoring contests this year—whether at the T20 World Cup or in the IPL—Stubbs expressed hope that Saturday’s fixture, a day match, could follow a similar script. He suggested the venue has often offered a kind of contest where batters can score but there may be limited “belter” conditions for a huge total.
Stubbs said that from the T20 World Cup to now, they have not seen an “absolute belter” at the ground, and he expects a comparable surface for this match. His wish is for a tight, lower-scoring contest where the scoring stays controlled—roughly in the region of 120 runs for each side.
