After a disheartening defeat from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 106 runs in IPL 2024, Delhi Capital (DC) hit another roadblock. BCCI has penalized the team for a second offense of maintaining a slower over rate, which is a breach of the Code of Conduct. Pant was slapped with an INR 24 lakh fine while other members of DC XI were either fined INR 6 Lakh or 25% of their match fees, whichever is lesser.
This incident marks the second time DC has fallen foul of the IPL’s over-rate regulations. The BBCI official release stated that” Pant was fined after his team maintained a slow over rate during their…match against Kolkata Knight Riders.” DC maintained a slower over rate in their last match against Chennai Super Kings at the same venue and Pant attracted an INR 12 lakh fine. This serves as a stern warning to the entire team about the importance of maintaining the designated over rate.
The over-rate offense adds another layer of concern to DC’s already troubled campaign. This loss marks their third defeat in just four matches, leaving them languishing in ninth place on the IPL 2024 points table. Their net run rate is also amongst the worst in the tournament.
The match itself saw a dominant performance by Kolkata Knight Riders, who posted an imposing total of 272/7. The credit goes to the stellar batting display by Sunil Narine and teenager Angkrish Raghuvanshi. This score just fell just five runs short of the highest total ever recorded in IPL history.
Despite efforts from Rishabh Pant and Tristan Stubbs, Delhi Capital faltered in their chase, eventually succumbing to a defeat with a score of 166 in 17.2 overs. Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, a visibly disappointed Pant acknowledged the team’s shortcomings. “Our bowlers were all over the place. We just didn’t turn up on the day. Today was one of those days, ” he admitted. He also displayed fighting spirit “As a batting unit, we only wanted to keep going hard as a team. I would rather get all out as a team than not go for the target.”
Delhi Capital’s struggles in the IPL 2024 season are further compounded by their position in the points table, currently standing at No.9 with one of the worst net run rates. The successive losses and disciplinary setbacks underscore the challenges the team faces in reclaiming its momentum and asserting its dominance in the tournament.
Chasing a mammoth target, DC never seemed in contention. Their bowling attack lacked discipline, falling to contain the KKR batsmen. The pressure of the scoreboard proved too much for the DC batsmen as well. While Pant and Tristan Stubbs managed to score fifties (55 and 54 respectively), they were unable to prevent comprehensive DC collapse. The poor performance and a looming financial penalty, have put DC in a precarious position.
The imposed penalty highlights the imperative for teams and players, to uphold the integrity of cricket with the utmost professionalism, otherwise, there will be severe consequences.
