Speaking after the match at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Pathan questioned DC’s decision to bat first after winning the toss. Captain Axar Patel had opted to set a target, citing concerns that the pitch might slow down later in the game.
However, the plan didn’t go as expected. DC had a sluggish start, with Pathum Nissanka and KL Rahul taking time to settle. CSK’s disciplined bowling attack maintained tight lines and built constant pressure, reducing the hosts to 69/5 in 11 overs.
A late fightback from Tristan Stubbs, Sameer Rizvi, and Ashutosh Sharma helped DC recover to a modest 155/7.
In reply, CSK lost a couple of early wickets but were comfortably guided home by Sanju Samson (87*) and Kartik Sharma (41*), sealing the win in just 17.3 overs.
Pathan was particularly critical of DC’s decision to bat first on the same ground where they were bowled out for just 75 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru earlier in the tournament. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote that “some decisions from Delhi are questionable” and stressed that the team now needs to win all remaining matches to stay in playoff contention, while still backing them as a strong side.
Following the loss, Delhi Capitals have managed just four wins from 10 matches, while Chennai Super Kings have an even record of five wins and five defeats.
