Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has shed light on Delhi Capitals’ playoff chances ahead of their clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday. DC have suffered two losses in a row and have veered off the track a bit.
Axar Patel’s team suffered a six-wicket loss against RCB while playing at home whereas they were beaten by KKR by 14 runs. DC have managed six wins in 10 matches and Chopra reckons DC must be at the top of their game in the remaining fixtures.
“Where are DC standing? 10 matches, six wins and 12 points, but which are the upcoming games? Those will decide whether you will qualify or not. With 16 points, you have a very good chance, but you will be in a convenient position if you reach 18 points, which means you need three wins in four games,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.
DC’s next four opponents are SRH, PBKS, MI, and GT, and the renowned commentator believes the franchise will have its work cut out for it.
“They have this game in Hyderabad. After that, they will clash with Punjab (Kings) in Dharamsala – difficult encounter. Then you will play the Gujarat Titans – difficult encounter. After that, you will play Mumbai (Indians). Sir, you are stuck. If you don’t win this match, you might not even qualify. It could be a ‘so near and yet so far’ story with Delhi,” he added.
The former Delhi player said DC must come up with an improved batting show and the batters should convert their starts into a big score.
“Delhi will have to bat better. Contributions are coming, but the big knocks aren’t coming. They are searching for big knocks. Faf du Plessis scored runs in the Kolkata match, but KL Rahul got run out there. Karun Nair hasn’t fired at all after one match,” he said.
“Abishek Porel has played a few good knocks, but a big knock is still awaited. Tristan Stubbs hasn’t looked the same batter this year. Those many runs haven’t come from his bat. Of course, he is getting less batting as Axar Patel comes ahead of him. Axar has played well. Vipraj Nigam is a good player,” Chopra observed.
As the playoff race is getting more intense, it would be imperative for DC to be at their best in the remaining four games.
