Despite their heavy defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders, former India cricketer Piyush Chawla feels that Delhi Capitals still have a chance of qualifying for the playoffs. DC's IPL 2026 playoffs hopes suffered a massive blow on Friday, as they crashed to an eight-wicket defeat against KKR. DC are now eighth in the standings with 8 points in 11 games (4 wins, 7 defeats). Their hopes for qualification are no longer in their hands. Also, their poor net run rate puts them in a tight position. Multiple teams are still in contention, and for DC, it is now a survival battle with no room for error.
Delhi Capitals lost to Kolkata Knight Riders on Friday. (PTI)
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Speaking on JioHotstar, former Chawla feels that DC still have 'something left to play for' and urged them to give their best.
“Delhi Capitals still have a mathematical chance. So, there is definitely something left to play for. At this stage, it's important for the team to stay together, play with freedom, and focus on building momentum rather than worrying about other results,” he said.
“Instead of looking for faults or blaming each other, they need to back themselves, play good cricket, and take pride in the remaining games. A couple of wins can quickly change the atmosphere around the side.”
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Meanwhile, South African legend Mark Boucher feels that KL Rahul's (23) dismissal against KKR was the turning point in the match.
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Meanwhile, South African legend Mark Boucher feels that KL Rahul's (23) dismissal against KKR was the turning point in the match.
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“Ideally, you want him batting beyond the Powerplay so he can control the tempo through the middle overs. This is now the second time he has fallen around that phase while trying to take the game on,” he said.
“The aggressive role can be taken up by others around him, but Rahul's value lies in going deep into the innings and managing momentum. From a team perspective, his wicket carries huge importance, and they would want him to place even greater value on it going forward,” he added.
Chasing a target of 143 runs, KKR eased to 147/2 in 14.2 overs, courtesy of Finn Allen's unbeaten 47-ball 100*. The KKR opener was striking at 212.77 and also hammered five fours and 10 sixes.
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Speaking after the match, Allen said, “I just tried to knuckle down early. It was still a little bit challenging at the start, Axar bowled really well and restricted us. So like I said, just try to get in strong positions and bat deep.”
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Cricket/2011 World Cup winner makes bold Delhi Capitals IPL 2026 playoff claim despite crushing defeat to KKR
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