Irfan Pathan questions Delhi Capitals’ decisions after loss to Chennai Super Kings

Irfan Pathan has criticised Delhi Capitals’ tactics after their defeat to Chennai Super Kings at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, questioning in particular the choice to bat first.

The toss decision

Captain Axar Patel won the toss and chose to bat, saying he feared the pitch might slow down later. Pathan disagreed, noting that this was the same ground where Delhi had been bowled out for 75 by Royal Challengers Bengaluru earlier in the tournament.

How the match unfolded

Delhi started slowly, with Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul taking time to settle. Disciplined bowling from Chennai kept up the pressure and left the hosts on 69/5 after 11 overs. A late recovery from Tristan Stubbs, Sameer Rizvi and Ashutosh Sharma lifted them to 155/7.

Chennai lost a couple of early wickets in reply but were guided home by Sanju Samson, unbeaten on 87, and Kartik Sharma, who finished on 41 not out. They won in 17.3 overs.

Pathan’s verdict and the table

Writing on X, Pathan said some of Delhi’s decisions were questionable. He stressed that the team must now win every remaining game to stay in playoff contention, though he still described them as a strong side.

Delhi have won four of their ten matches, while Chennai are level at five wins and five defeats.