Delhi Capitals Head Coach Hemang Badani has dropped a massive bombshell regarding the nature of pitches in IPL 2026.
On May 5, DC lost to Chennai Super Kings at their home ground – the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. In fact, DC have now lost 4 out of the 5 matches they have played in their own home ground in IPL 2026. After the match, Badani stated that the franchise had little control over the nature of their pitches in their own home venue.
Key Points
- Delhi Capitals coach Hemang Badani claimed franchises have no control over IPL pitches
- Badani said the BCCI controls the surfaces to avoid unfair home advantage
- DC have now lost four consecutive matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium
Delhi Capitals’ home struggles continue
Delhi Capitals lost to CSK on a surface that seemed tailor-made for the latter’s strengths of spin. Akeal Hosein and Noor Ahmad ran a tight ship around proceedings and never let DC get ahead in the game.
On a slow surface, Mukesh Choudhary and Gurjapneet Singh played the supporting role to CSK’s spinners and reduced DC to 69/5 in the eleventh over. Twice in two home matches, Delhi were forced to use their Impact Player to bring in a batter despite batting first.
Sameer Rizvi, the Impact Player, top-scored with a brisk 40 that pushed DC to a fighting 156/7. CSK’s chase didn’t start very fast either.
After a slow start by Ruturaj Gaikwad, Urvil Patel played another cameo to balance things. Kartik Sharma played the perfect second fiddle to Sanju Samson, who picked his moments to attack and his moments to defend.
Samson eventually was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 87 while Sharma backed up his unbeaten from the last match with an unbeaten 41 against DC. This loss was Delhi’s fourth in a row at home.
In their last home game, Delhi Capitals had been reduced to 8/6 and eventually bowled out for 75 by RCB.
“We don’t have any control over the surfaces” – Hemang Badani drops bombshell on IPL pitches
Badani spoke in the post-match press conference about the nature of the pitches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Before they were bowled out for 75 by RCB, DC had managed to concede a chase of 265 against Punjab Kings – a T20 world record.
Asked about the varying nature of these pitches, Badani said, “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 ensure that there’s no local side that gets benefits out of the surfaces. You play what is presented to you.”
There haven’t been any indications from any other teams so far that the BCCI is the one controlling the surfaces. Hemang Badani’s claim is a first in the IPL’s 19-year history.
DC’s next match
If what Hemang Badani said is true, neither his nor his team’s struggles seems to be coming to an end. Delhi Capitals’ next match is in Delhi, against KKR on May 8th.
DC are now placed seventh on the points table while KKR are eighth. Delhi have just 4 wins in 10 matches while Kolkata have 3 wins and a no result in 9 matches. KKR are also on a 3-match winning streak right now.
Also Read: DC qualification scenario IPL 2026: Can DC still reach the playoffs after a loss against CSK?
