KL Rahul has been the standout performer for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2026, but the team’s batting concerns continue to grow ahead of their clash against Chennai Super Kings. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes DC’s biggest issue is becoming clear, they are relying far too heavily on Rahul.
Speaking ahead of the CSK game, Chopra pointed out that while Rahul’s form has been exceptional, the lack of consistent support from the rest of the batting lineup has hurt DC in crucial moments.
“Delhi are not winning in Delhi. In the previous three losses they have had here, Delhi suffered heartbreaks in all three games Every single time, there is a heart-wrenching story. These losses are traumatizing. So that is a big problem,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“Another problem is that there is an overreliance on KL Rahul. He has been very, very good. He has scored 433 runs at a good strike rate, but the second-highest run-scorer is Tristan Stubbs, and his strike rate is less than 140. It just tells you that there is a big gap,” Chopra added.
DC head into the clash against CSK at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi with eight points from nine matches, sitting seventh on the table. With CSK’s bowling unit, featuring names like Akeal Hosein, Jamie Overton and Noor Ahmad, beginning to find rhythm, the pressure is only set to increase on their batting unit.
ARE DC RELYING TOO MUCH ON KL RAHUL?
The numbers make the argument hard to ignore.
Rahul has scored over 433 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of around 185, including an unbeaten 152 and three fifties. He has consistently provided starts and often carried the innings deep.
But beyond him, the returns dip sharply.
Tristan Stubbs has scored 219 runs at a strike rate of 139.49, while Pathum Nissanka has chipped in with 209 runs at a strike rate of 159.54 in his debut season. However, the rest of the middle order has struggled for consistency.
Sameer Rizvi started well but has faded, registering multiple single-digit scores in recent games. Captain Axar Patel has managed just 31 runs in six innings at an average of 6.20, while experienced names like David Miller have failed to deliver in crunch moments.
“They have brought back Pathum Nissanka as an opener. Pathum has scored runs, so they will keep him there. Nitish Rana has found form. So that’s a good story. Sameer Rizvi hasn’t been able to score runs after the first two matches. That has to change. Ashutosh Sharma batted well. So that must continue. Axar Patel might have to do a little better with the bat,” Chopra added.
That imbalance has reflected in results as well. DC have suffered close defeats at home, including failing to defend 264, a collapse to 75 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
While their play-off race is in a pickle, it is certainly not over. However, DC will need its experienced batters to step up against CSK to ensure thatv the race doesn’t get complicated any further.
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