The equation for Delhi Capitals is simple: win the remaining three IPL 2026 matches and see where those results take the team on the table.

Even a perfect record in the remainder of the league stage is unlikely to be enough for DC to make the playoff grade, but it could be the seeds of future success. It is what Capitals batting coach Ian Bell alluded to on Sunday (May 10, 2026), the eve of the bout against Punjab Kings.

“We have got three big games for the individuals and franchise. It is really important that we come here with the expectation of winning all of them. That is the focus of the team. We are proud to represent DC, and the players will do everything for the badge and fans,” Bell said.

“We want to finish as high as we possibly can on the table because positivity is important. We need to be more consistent, not just at the end of the season but moving forward as well.”

Bell admitted that Capitals failed to show ruthlessness in the crunch.

“I believe in the talent we have in our group, but we have been inconsistent. If you look at the opportunities we had in a few games, we should have taken those, especially when playing at the highest level against world-class players. We probably have not done that ruthlessly enough. We were in with a chance in a lot of games, but we did not take those big moments.”

DC has been duly punished for it.