Remaining at rock bottom with only four points from eight games, Delhi Capitals need to win all their remaining matches to keep their playoffs hopes alive.
Their must-win situation begins with the clash against Gujarat Titans at the Motera in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.
The way the Capitals have fared so far in this edition, they may have to play out of their skins to beat the versatile Hardik Pandya-led side.
But there’s no other alternative now for David Warner and his teammates as another defeat means they are virtually out of the playoffs race.
The first thing the Capitals need to do is ensure their under-performing Indian batters step up at least now before it’s all too late.
The abject failure of Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan has contributed significantly to the Capitals’ travails this season. Even the experienced Manish Pandey has flattered to deceive, looking mediocre so far.
Shaw’s dismal run has given an opportunity to Phil Salt to open alongside Warner.
The Englishman was at his destructive best in the last game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Capitals would need him to be consistent alongside Warner and No.3 MitchellMarsh, who finally played to his potential with an all-round showing in last Saturday’s game.
The Capitals have been guilty of losing too many wickets in the middle overs, which is another area they need to address going forward. Keeping the in-form Axar Patel for the death overs is understandable, but considering his dream run with the bat over the past few months in international cricket, it remains to be seen if the team management finally promoted him up the order.
As for the Titans, they have almost all their bases covered and a win would help them stay atop the table.
What bodes well further for the reigning champions is finding another match-winner in the form of Vijay Shankar, whose unbeaten half-century helped them chase down a tricky 180-run total against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden last Saturday.
Today’s match
■ GT vs DC in Ahmedabad, 7.30pm, live on Star Sports & Jio Cinema
