<\/p>\n
Out of sorts again, the Delhi Capitals folded under pressure against Chennai Super Kings in Tuesday\u2019s IPL clash. A shaky start by the batsmen set the tone early. Not much help came from the middle order either. Hemang Badani stood before reporters, fielding queries about choices he made during the game. The pitch had bite for slow bowlers, yet the spin department didn\u2019t take advantage. Kuldeep Yadav, despite past brilliance, hasn\u2019t found rhythm lately \u2013 something Badani acknowledged without hesitation<\/p>\n
Three overs. That was Kuldeep\u2019s outing versus CSK \u2013 34 runs leaked, no wickets taken. Pressed on his ongoing dip in form, Badani said expectations within the setup are higher \u2013 but backing hasn\u2019t faded.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe would ideally want Kuldeep to be better than this, but we will rally around him as he has been a part of this side for many, many years. I think it is more the case of just about somebody striking form; he hasn\u2019t struck peak form yet and hasn\u2019t bowled at the speeds that he would normally bowl. I think it is a question of time, and we have faith in him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo Control Over Pitch\u201d<\/p>\n
Out came the question about batting first on a tough Arun Jaitley Stadium surface. Badani pointed out that even though it is their home venue, the team doesn\u2019t shape how the pitch plays \u2013 that\u2019s down to the curator. What happens underfoot isn\u2019t really up to them.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe don\u2019t have any control over the surfaces. It is a lot easier for a side to field 20 overs and then understand what the surface would be when they bat second, and that is pretty much what happened. I thought the game was lost in the first 10 overs when we didn\u2019t get enough; we were about 70 for 5, and you don\u2019t want to be 70 for 5 even if it is a tough surface. It has been a bit of an up-and-down curve for us to understand what we are going to get at Delhi, which is our home. One game was a 265, but there is little control that any side has on surfaces.\u201d<\/p>\n
Badani Addresses Axar\u2019s Challenges
Even though Kuldeep hasn\u2019t bowled well lately, Axar Patel\u2019s performance as Delhi Capitals\u2019 leader feels just as shaky \u2013 especially when holding a bat. Following yet another quiet innings by Axar during the match versus Chennai Super Kings, Badani stood by him once more. His backing didn\u2019t waver.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a side, you obviously don\u2019t want to be 60 for 5 or 50 for 5; that is not the position any side wants to be, and if we are in that spot, the only option is to bring in a batter. With Axar, I think it is again a question of someone who has played cricket at the highest level, a double World Cup winner, and you give them the faith. I don\u2019t think I would pinpoint Axar, as it is not one person; it is a team, and as a side, we will have to play better cricket.\u201d<\/p>\n
Finishing up, the DC team\u2019s leader laid out what needs to happen next. With just four games left, each victory becomes critical. Staying in the race depends entirely on winning every single one. Anything less pulls them out of reach. The path forward? Take care of business without fail<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n