Delhi Capitals Director Reflects on IPL Title Drought and Team Struggles

Veungopal Rao, the cricket director of Delhi Capitals, has opened up about the team's long-standing struggle to win an IPL title after eighteen years. He highlighted the lack of consistency across various departments as a key factor in their current season's failures. With their playoff hopes nearly dashed after seven losses, Rao reflected on the team's performance, noting the impact of captain Axar Patel and spinner Kuldeep Yadav's poor form. As the team grapples with these challenges, Rao emphasizes the need for strong performances in critical moments to improve their standing in the league.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 9, 2026, 14:51 IST

Delhi Capitals' Ongoing IPL Challenges

Veungopal Rao, the cricket director for Delhi Capitals, has expressed his disappointment over the team's inability to secure an IPL title in eighteen years. He attributed the failures of the current season to a lack of consistency across all departments. Following their seventh defeat this season, the team's hopes of reaching the playoffs are nearly extinguished. Both Delhi and Punjab Kings are the only teams that have yet to win an IPL title since their inception.

In 2020, Delhi reached the finals but lost to Mumbai Indians by five wickets. Rao stated, "It pains me that we haven't won a title in eighteen years. Reflecting on my playing days, I always aimed for victory. Now, as part of the administration and coaching, I am learning a lot." He emphasized that he cannot pinpoint the issues to just one department.

Rao noted, "In different matches, various departments have faltered. We scored well against Punjab but dropped catches. In some games, bowlers performed well while the batsmen struggled. Winning matches requires strong performances in crucial moments, which we have failed to deliver consistently, resulting in our low position on the points table."

The poor form of captain Axar Patel and spinner Kuldeep Yadav has further complicated matters for Delhi. Rao remarked, "When Kuldeep and Axar are in good form, our bowling is strong. If one performs well and the other does not, our bowling weakens in the middle overs. This is a challenge we are currently facing."