Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif questioned Delhi Capitals for their utilisation of Abishek Porel in the ongoing IPL 2026. Kaif reckons the wicket-keeper bat should have received consistent chances in the playing XI after he was retained ahead of the auction.

The left-hander was bowled by Yash Thakur after he scored five runs off six balls while opening with KL Rahul. Earlier, Porel scored 30 runs off 33 balls as an Impact Sub when DC were bowled out for a paltry score of 75 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube Channel, “Abhishek Porel was among their retained players. He did not get a chance throughout the season. When you retain someone, you need to back him. He did not get consistent chances.”

Meanwhile, DC made five changes to their playing XI against Punjab Kings and Kaif said the team doesn’t look settled when it makes so many changes to their playing combination.

“Delhi have made a lot of changes. The XI has not looked settled at all. They made five changes in the last game. However, they won the match, but there were five changes. The best team knows their playing XI backs their main players till the end. David Miller was also dropped, but who won this match for them? David Miller. You should give such proven players a longer run. Nissanka plays, gets dropped, and then plays again. Same with David Miller and Auqib Nabi.”

The former UP batter praised Delhi Capitals skipper Axar Patel for his impressive knock of 56 runs off 30 balls against PBKS after the left-hander has had a sedate season so far.

“Axar Patel was a little lost somewhere, but his temperament and attacking style, which we know him for, were visible here. Axar Patel has won a lot of matches for India with his cameos. He never played the anchor’s role. His job was to hit big shots after playing four-five balls. He did that here, and that’s why Delhi won the match.”

With this win, Delhi Capitals were able to stay afloat in the tournament.