DC vs SRH, IPL 2026: "We Missed Out in the Powerplay" - Venugopal Rao Reflects on Costly Moments in Delhi Capitals' Defeat

Delhi Capitals' assistant coach Venugopal Rao rued missed chances and lapses across departments after his side slumped to a 47-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Tuesday (April 21).

Delhi, who had arrived in Hyderabad on the back of a confident six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, failed to put up a complete performance with the bat, ball, and in the field.

Reflecting on the chase of a 240-plus target, Rao pointed out that the game was effectively decided in the powerplay, where Delhi fell well short of the required momentum. "I think, see, chasing 240 plus, obviously you need a good start in the first six overs. I think they fell short by 15-20 runs somewhere. So if you are chasing 240, definitely you need to be around 80-90 in the powerplay," he said.

With Delhi managing only 59 in the first six overs, Rao admitted, "The kind of batting we have, obviously we can reach that target. But at 59 in six overs, I think somewhere we missed out while chasing."

He also highlighted how KL Rahul's innings was impacted by a lack of strike during a crucial phase. "I think when Pathum got out and he didn't get much strike in the powerplay, you see for one or two overs he hardly faced any balls," Rao explained.

He added that such scenarios can disrupt a batter's rhythm, saying, "As a batter, in the powerplay phase you need to face more balls. He hit a good six and a boundary. But when Nitish Rana was batting, he didn't get much strike. I think that is where the momentum shifted towards SRH."

On the bowling front, Rao defended the tactical decisions taken during the match, reiterating the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. "Whatever happens, happens on the field. At the end of the day, we can point out things like Nitish Rana bowling four overs," he said.

Emphasising the immediacy of such calls, he added, "See, these are instant decisions. Sometimes they click, sometimes they don't. That's how it is in this format."

A major turning point, according to Rao, was Delhi's inability to capitalise on opportunities to dismiss Abhishek Sharma, who went on to play a defining innings.

"The kind of calibre he has shown over the last couple of years, we all know what he can do. When he gave us opportunities, we didn't take them," Rao admitted. He detailed the missed moments, saying, "After his fifty, there was a run-out chance, we missed it. Then in his 80's, we dropped him. We paid the price."

Rao also shed light on the challenges bowlers face in high-scoring T20 games, especially against aggressive batters. "Even when two batters like Klaasen and Abhishek Sharma are batting, you only have six balls in an over. One error in those six balls makes a big difference," he said.

He further explained, "This format is tough for bowlers. One six and suddenly the pressure is on. Whether it is the 19th or 20th over, even the best bowlers can feel it. So you need to be accurate. And when you get chances, you have to take them."

On team combinations, Rao indicated that the management is actively considering adjustments, particularly regarding Tristan Stubbs' batting position. "Definitely, we are thinking about it. What you are suggesting, we have also discussed it," he said, hinting at a possible promotion. He added, "As a coaching staff, we feel we still have time. There are a lot of games left."

Summing up the performance, Rao acknowledged that while there were some positives, recurring issues continue to hurt the team. "There are a lot of learnings. Playing against SRH at their home ground is never easy. Positives, Nitish Rana batted well. KL got a start. There were contributions," he noted.

However, he identified a critical concern, stating, "But one major learning is that we are losing wickets in clusters. Every time we get into a position, we are losing three wickets together."

He concluded by underlining the need to address this pattern, adding, "In this format, people talk about not losing back-to-back wickets. But we are losing three wickets in a row, and that is becoming the turning point in games."

Delhi Capitals will now look to regroup quickly as they aim to bounce back and stay in contention. Axar Patel and his company will face an unbeaten Punjab Kings in their next game at home (Arun Jaitley Stadium) on April 25.