Delhi Capitals Told to Step Up as Munaf Patel Ends ‘Relax Mode’ Ahead of CSK Match

Munaf Patel says ‘relax mode is over’ as Delhi Capitals prepare for must-win IPL 2026 match against CSK at Arun Jaitley Stadium.

Delhi Capitals will take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 5 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in a crucial IPL 2026 match.

Ahead of the match, DC bowling coach Munaf Patel said the team has moved past any relaxed approach and now needs consistent wins to stay in the playoff race. He stressed that every game is now a must-win and urged players to focus on momentum rather than past results.

“You don’t have any other option but to win the match. Obviously, we play every match to win, but now the relaxed mode is over. If you want to qualify, you have to win all the matches. We have won and we have forgotten that. If we keep remembering that, we will lose again. It is better that we forget that and move forward with the momentum of the winning match,” Munaf said in the pre-match press conference.

Delhi have managed just 1 home win this season. However, Munaf expressed confidence in the spin unit, especially Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, as pitches slow down.

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He added that coaches can guide, but players must deliver on the field. Munaf believes strong performances and wins will build confidence, while slow surfaces could favour Delhi’s spin-heavy attack.

“Our job is to motivate them. We tell them about their mistakes and make them improve. Once you are on the ground, my and Hemang’s say is over as once you are on the field, the players have to do it all. You can motivate them as much as you want. But until they are motivated, or they can’t bowl on their strength, or deliver as per the batter’s weakness, you can’t do anything,” he continued.

“Confidence always comes from winning. I always believe that you can’t give confidence by losing. You are talking about slow wickets – the spinners who play in the T20 World Cup, Kuldeep and Axar, they are there anyway. There is no question that they won’t play because we have one of the best spin bowling units. We don’t have a reason to complain about slow wickets. If the wickets are slow, it is better for us because we have top spinners and it will benefit us,” the coach concluded.

DC and CSK Level on 8 Points After 9 Matches

Delhi entered the season after spending ₹124.65 crore in the December 2025 auction, with Axar Patel leading the side. They currently have an NRR of -0.895.

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DC recently beat Rajasthan Royals by 7 wickets, chasing 226. KL Rahul has scored 433 runs, including 152*. Axar has taken 8 wickets, while Sameer Rizvi has impressed with 2 Player of the Match awards.

Meanwhile, Chennai Super Kings have struggled away from home in IPL 2026, losing 3 of their 4 matches on the road. They sit 6th on the table, while Delhi Capitals hold 7th position. Both teams have played 9 matches and have 8 points each.