Delhi Capitals appear to have accepted their setback in the playoff race, but could still play the role of party poopers for other teams vying for qualification in the next stage of the Indian Premier League this season.
Plagued by inconsistency throughout the campaign, the Axar Patel-led side currently sit eighth on the points table with eight points and only three matches left to play.
“We want to finish as high on the table as we possibly can, and that positivity is really important,” assistant head coach Ian Bell said ahead of their clash against Punjab Kings at the HPSA Stadium in Dharamsala.
With only six more points available from their remaining three matches, DC can at best finish with 14 points, a tally that may still not be enough, especially with three teams already sitting on 12 points and having games in hand.
Reflecting on the team’s disappointing campaign, Axar had already accepted defeat. “We will think about our mistakes. We will start planning for next year. We can look at our bench and see who can step up for us,” Axar said after the game against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Bell admitted that inconsistency has been the biggest reason behind their struggles this season.
“It’s been inconsistent. I think we sit here now and look at a few games where we had our opportunities, and when you play in the IPL and at the highest level of cricket against world-class players, you have to take those moments. We probably haven’t done that ruthlessly enough,” he said.
KL RAHUL AND BATTING INCONSISTENCY
Bell also pointed to the batting unit’s inability to deliver consistently, while singling out KL Rahul for praise. “I think with KL, like any good player, you’re always trying to improve, wherever you are in your career,” Bell added.
“It would be nice to have more consistent performers alongside him as well. I think the reason the batting has been like that is we’ve just been too inconsistent. There have been days where we’ve scored 260, and then the following game we’ve been bowled out for 70. You can’t afford that at this level.”
Rahul has arguably been in the form of his life for the franchise in terms of strike rate, scoring 468 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 180.
“I think he’s obviously recognised that he wanted to play with a bit more intent, and we’ve seen the numbers this year. They’ve been a huge step forward. But he’s a class player. The way he thinks about the game, the way he trains, he’s been a pleasure to be around and he’s led us with the bat incredibly well,” Bell said.
The next-highest run-scorer for DC is opening partner Pathum Nissanka, who has managed 278 runs in 10 innings.DC next face Rajasthan Royals in Delhi on May 17 before concluding their league campaign against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on May 24.
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