Despite Delhi Capitals securing a win over Punjab Kings in IPL 2026, concerns continue to grow around the form of star spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who was left out of the playing XI. Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan highlighted Kuldeep’s struggles as a major issue for the franchise this season.
Kuldeep’s Struggles in IPL 2026
Kuldeep’s IPL 2026 campaign has been far from convincing so far. The left-arm wrist-spinner has managed only seven wickets in nine matches while leaking runs at an economy rate of 10.4, the worst economy rate of his IPL career, surpassing his previous highest of 8.7 recorded in 2019 and 2024. He has also gone wicketless in five outings this season.
The spinner has conceded under 10 runs per over in only two matches, against Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, while crossing that mark in the remaining seven games. Speaking about the issue, Pathan expressed concern over Delhi’s dependence on Kuldeep, especially on pitches offering assistance to spinners.
“Kuldeep Yadav not being in form is a big problem for Delhi because the team depends heavily on him. Especially on a turning track, where there was some help from the pitch, if you still end up conceding runs and fail to pick wickets, then it becomes a serious concern,” Pathan said to IANS. The former all-rounder, however, backed Kuldeep’s quality and stressed that expectations are naturally higher from a frontline spinner. “There’s no doubt that he is a very good bowler. But when your main spinner is going at over 10 runs per over, any team would expect much better performances. These are the areas where Delhi could have done better, and perhaps the team would have seen improved results if things had gone according to their potential,” he added.
Delhi Outclassed Punjab
Delhi Capitals pulled off one of the most thrilling chases of IPL 2026, defeating Punjab Kings by three wickets in Dharamshala after hunting down 211 with an over to spare. Punjab appeared firmly in control for most of the game, reducing DC to 33/3 and later 74/4 on a challenging surface. However, Axar Patel shifted the momentum with a blistering 56 off 30 balls, while David Miller produced another trademark finishing act with 51 off 28 deliveries. Ashutosh Sharma added a quickfire 24 off 10 balls before young all-rounder Madhav Tiwari made a crucial impact with both bat and ball, claiming 2/40 earlier and later smashing an unbeaten 18 off eight balls in the chase. Auqib Nabi sealed the dramatic win with a four and a six in his unbeaten 10 off just two deliveries as DC completed a remarkable comeback.
Earlier, Punjab Kings got off to a flying start through Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh, racing to 51/0 in just three overs. Priyansh led the charge with a fearless 56 off 33 balls, including six sixes, putting Delhi’s bowlers under immense pressure. Despite Punjab’s explosive batting display, Delhi Capitals held their nerve in the chase to snatch victory from a dominant Punjab side.
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