CSK vs DC IPL 2022: Mohammad Kaif, a former Indian batsman, believes that COVID-related concerns in the Delhi Capitals (DC) camp have had an impact on the team’s performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL). As an example, he mentioned the absence of Prithvi Shaw. He was compelled to visit the hospital due to fever. Shaw was unable to participate in the critical match against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday, May 8.

At the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Chennai thrashed Delhi by 91 runs. DC surrendered 208 for six after bowling first and failing to create an impression with their bowlers. The Capitals were then bowled out for 117 runs in 17.4 overs, a humiliating defeat.

As part of his analysis of Delhi’s loss, Kaif told Sportskeeda that the franchise’s uneven results might be due to the franchise’s ongoing off-field issues. He went on to explain:

“Delhi has been plagued by several problems. COVID-related issues have arisen in the past. A couple of the players are not feeling well. Because Prithvi Shaw is a retained player. His absence hurts the squad as well. Delhi has battled a little bit as a result of his absence.”

He also said that Delhi’s over-reliance on David Warner, according to the former middle-order batsman, is also harming the squad.

“Overall, I believe they are placing a great deal of reliance on David Warner. It’s almost as though after Warner scores, the team is declared victorious. He performed well in the last game, and the squad was victorious. This will have to be altered.”

In nine matches, the Australian opener has scored 375 runs at an average of 53.75 and a strike rate of 156.90. On Sunday, he got out for 19 against CSK.

CSK vs DC IPL 2022: “The manner in which they lost, it is quite tough to recover from such circumstances.” – Kaif on the likelihood of DC qualifying for the playoffs

If Delhi wins their remaining three IPL 2022 matches, according to the 41-year-old, they will still be in contention to qualify for the playoffs. He did, however, acknowledge that the assignment would be very tough, give how they lost against CSK. Kaif came to the following conclusion:

“Delhi still has three games left to play. If they win all three games, they will qualify for the playoffs since they will finish with 16 points overall. Of course, how well the other teams do is also a consideration. However, given the manner in which they were defeated, making a return from such a circumstance is very tough. Following such failures, self-doubts begin to seep into the group’s mind. Fans would be quite dissatisfied since they did not anticipate such a level of commitment.”

DC is currently in fifth place in the points standings. They have recorded five victories and six defeats in their first eleven games.