We have to win all 5 video games

Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Axar Patel made a massive error while assessing the team’s qualification scenario for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 playoffs after the eight-wicket loss to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at home, on Tuesday, May 5. The skipper remarked that DC will look to win their remaining five matches to make into the top four, when they only have four more games in hand.

Speaking during the post-match presentation, Axar Patel bemoaned the lack of support with the ball from his spin partner Kuldeep Yadav, and concluded by stating that there is no room for error. DC, with eight points after 10 matches, could have reached a maximum tally of 18 if they had five more matches to play in the league stage.

However, their qualification scenario, with only four points remaining, is much trickier now, as they have to win every remaining game to reach the unanimously desired 16-point mark in the league table.

“It’s a clear situation now—we can’t afford any more slip-ups. With five games left, the mindset is simple: we need to win all five games,” Axar Patel said during the psot-match interaction with broadcasters.

DC are on a barren run in terms of playoffs action in recent years. The franchise last made it to the knockout stage in the IPL 2021 season, and missed out by a point last year.

“I felt 155 was a competitive score” – Axar Patel reflects on DC’s defeat to CSK in IPL 2026

Axar Patel, after opting to bat first, was made to immediately regret the decision after being reduced to 69-5 after 11 overs. A rescue act by Tristan Stubbs and impact sub Sameer Rizvi, and a final flourish by Ashutosh Sharma, helped them barely cross the 150-run mark.

In reply, CSK also faced an early wobble, but an unbeaten 114-run partnership between Sanju Samson and Kartik Sharma, helped them complete the double over DC in IPL 2026.

“Given how the pitch played in the first innings, I felt 155 was a competitive score. But considering we had an extra batter, we were probably 10–15 runs short. The pitch may have gotten slightly better, but I still felt there was something in the surface. The difference was having a set batter at the crease—once someone gets in, it feels easier, but the pitch still had its challenges,” the skipper said.

DC, with four losses in their last five matches, will next face the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at home on Friday, May 8.