DC put the blame on BCCI [Source: AFP, AP]Delhi Capitals' chances of qualifying for the IPL 2026 playoffs took a major hit as Chennai Super Kings crushed them by eight wickets in the 48th group-stage match. After the game concluded, the Capitals strangely put the blame on the BCCI for failing to capitalise on home advantage. Led by Axar Patel, Delhi Capitals have had a topsy-turvy IPL 2026 campaign so far. The defeat against CSK marked DC's sixth loss this season, further jeopardising their playoff hopes. Delhi Capitals' miserable run at home in a nutshellInterestingly, the Capitals have lost four of six games at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, their home ground in the IPL 2026. They defeated Mumbai Indians convincingly by six wickets before being swatted aside by Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, RCB and CSK in the subsequent encounters. Also Read: Axar Patel Blames Kuldeep Yadav For DC's Embarrassing Defeat vs CSKTheir persistent lean patch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium highlights how they have failed to exploit the home conditions, something their opponents have done with great success. Home advantage is a myth in IPL, reckons DC coach Hemang BadaniFormer Indian cricketer and current Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani believes that the BCCI doesn't let the IPL teams exploit their home conditions. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Badani stated that the Delhi Capitals can't ask for pitches which would suit their playing style. He further explained that the BCCI ensures neutrality while preparing the IPL surfaces. The Indian cricket board takes such steps to ensure a fair contest between the hosts and the touring party. In other words, he hinted that the pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium has been alien to both teams, preventing the Delhi Capitals from using the condition to their advantage. "We don't have any control over the surfaces. As much as one would like to think that we are in control of the surfaces we want to play on, there's a clear mandate from the BCCI that they look after the pitches and they're the ones who ensures that there's no local side that gets benefit out of the surfaces. You play what is presented to you," Hemang Badani said. Why have DC been inconsistent in IPL 2026?The Delhi Capitals had an outstanding start to the season, winning their first two matches against Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians comfortably. However, their form dipped as the tournament progressed, as they went on to register six losses in their next eight fixtures. While KL Rahul has been incredibly consistent with the bat, the Capitals have been massively let down by some of their key players, especially Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. Pathum Nissanka and Sameer Rizvi have been inconsistent, while Karun Nair has failed to meet the expectations. Additionally, DC have borne the brunt of bizarre team selections and frequent shuffles in the batting order, complicating things for themselves with questionable strategies. As a result, they are staring at an inevitable group-stage exit. Placed seventh on the IPL points table, the Capitals will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their eleventh match of the tournament on May 8. Also Read: SRH vs PBKS Head to Head Records- IPL 2026, Match 49
