Delhi Capitals' 18-year IPL drought blamed on letting go of players like AB de Villiers

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has opined on the Delhi Capitals' failure to win an IPL title despite playing since the inception of the competition in 2008. The Capitals, who were previously known as Delhi Daredevils, have made it to the final only once in 2020, where they lost to the Mumbai Indians.

Irfan played for DC from 2011 to 2013, scoring 468 runs and taking 28 wickets in 46 matches. Pathan mentioned that DC failed to back legendary players, leading to instability. 

"When I was on the team, Eric Simmons was the head coach, and he tried to bring stability. But when you don't retain players like AB de Villiers, and you also have Andre Russell, starting again is not easy," Pathan said on JioHotstar. 

Delhi Capitals signed Andre Russell in 2012, but he was released after playing a few matches. Russell then joined the Kolkata Knight Riders and won three titles with the franchise.

"I played with Russell": Irfan Pathan reveals why West Indies all-rounder was released 

Irfan Pathan and Andre Russell were part of the Daredevils in 2012. Russell represented the Delhi-based franchise in seven matches across two seasons, where he amassed 58 runs and dismissed one batter.

"I played with Andre Russell in 2012. The team management wanted to give him more chances, but they couldn't find a regular place for him in the Playing XI," he revealed.

Pathan highlighted the fact that DC fell short in identifying the match-winners present in the squad.

DC have a strong squad in IPL 2026 and it will be interesting to see if they win their maiden title in the 19th season. They will play their campaign opener against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1.