Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant admitted that they were outplayed by Chennai Super Kings in all the three departments of the game after they suffered the biggest loss (in terms of runs) of IPL 2022 at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai on Sunday.
CSK posted a par score of 208 runs after Pant won the toss and decided to bowl first. Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad started on a sedate note as they scored only nine runs in the first two overs. Subsequently, Conway was able to change gears whereas Gaikwad played the role of second fiddle.
The New Zealander took the attack against Kuldeep Yadav as he made great use of his feet to get to the pitch of the ball against the wrist spinner. Conway completed his third fifty on the trot as he and Gaikwad added 110 runs for the opening alliance, which was their second hundred partnership of the season – most for any opening pair in IPL 2022.
Both of these opening batters timed the ball to perfection and scored runs at 10 an over to give a perfect platform to their team. Shivam Dube scored 31 runs off 19 balls after he was dropped by Axar Patel whereas MS Dhoni added the finishing touches with 8-ball 21.
On the other hand, Delhi Capitals kept losing wickets at regular intervals during the run-chase despite getting off to a decent start in the powerplay overs. DC was 59-2 at the end of the six overs but they were skittled out for only 117 to lose by a huge margin.
Rishabh Pant said in the post-match presentation, “I think they outplayed us in all departments. As Delhi Capitals we have played a lot of close games, there had to be a game where there is a massive difference between the two sides and unfortunately we are on the receiving end. I thought we were getting better but that is not the case. The only thing we can look forward to is the next three matches, if we win them then we will qualify. There is a fair bit going on amongst us, especially Covid and we had a few stomach infections, but we are not making an excuse and we just want to keep improving. Right now we can be more positive and that’s what we are going to be talking about to the boys, let’s be more proactive, and let’s be in a good frame of mind to make good decisions in the next few matches.”
Delhi Capitals will now need to win their remaining three matches to stand a chance to qualify for the playoff stages. DC will next face Rajasthan Royals at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Mumbai on Wednesday.
