Once flying high in the IPL 2025 season, the Delhi Capitals have found themselves wobbling dangerously near the edge of playoff elimination. A team that seemed destined for a top-two finish is now clinging to its hopes by a thread. Former India spinner Piyush Chawla recently opened up about the reasons behind DC’s dramatic fall in form, with particular emphasis on a tactical decision that seems to have backfired at a crucial juncture. With rain spoiling their latest clash against Sunrisers Hyderabadthe race for playoff qualification is now even tighter, and Delhi must regroup fast.

Piyush Chawla explains about the gamble gone wrong for DC

According to Chawla, one of DC’s biggest errors has been their constant reshuffling of the opening combination. With as many as six or seven different pairs tried at the top, DC never truly found stability in the powerplay. The injury to Faf du Plessis forced Kl satisfied to open—a move that disrupted the batting order rather than strengthening it. Originally slated to provide middle-order stability, Rahul’s shift up the order left a void in the innings anchor role.

Perhaps the most questionable move was benching Jake Fraser-McGurk after a string of inconsistent performances. Chawla believes this was a miscalculation.

“If he fires, he gives you a powerplay burst that can define the match. If he doesn’t, it’s still no worse than the collapses you’re already having,” Chawla said on Jio Hotstar post-match show. With Fraser-McGurk’s explosive style, Delhi had a wildcard up their sleeve but failed to capitalize when it mattered most.

Rain delays and reality checks for DC

The abandoned game against SRH in Hyderabad was a mixed bag for DC. While the point keeps them technically alive in the playoff race, the missed opportunity to gain two crucial points may haunt them. Before rain intervened, SRH, led by Pat Cummins‘ sensational spell, had DC on the ropes at 47/5. The rescue act by Ashutosh Sharma and Tristan Stubbs was commendable, but the damage had already been done.

Chawla warned that the final three games against Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titansand Punjab Kings would require nothing short of perfection.

“They’ve lost four out of their last six. It’s crunch time. Senior players need to step up—not just in patches, but for full matches,” he added. With each team vying for those final playoff spots, even a single misstep could knock DC out of contention.