“Big strategy mistake” – Ambati Rayudu’s massive claim on DC ahead of IPL 2026 match against KKR

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu feels that Delhi Capitals (DC) have made a big strategy blunder by dropping David Miller from their recent IPL 2026 games. Describing the South African cricketer as a match-winner, Rayudu opined that the southpaw should have featured in every game after his batting exploits against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) earlier in the tournament.

DC will take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match number 51 of IPL 2026 at Arun Jaitley Stadium on Friday, May 8. The Capitals are seventh in the points table, with just four wins from 10 games. They began the tournament with two wins, but have lost six of their last eight matches.

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo Timeout, Rayudu punched holes in DC’s team selection strategy for IPL 2026. He was particularly critical of their move to drop Miller and commented:

“Miller not playing, that’s a big thing. Because of the combinations and strategy, they have been falling short. Miller’s been a match-winner. He has won games, that finish against RCB. After that, you should be a permanent member of the squad because you are capable of winning at least two or three games towards the business end of the season. I think that’s a big strategy mistake by DC.”

Miller last turned out for DC in the IPL 2026 clash against RCB on April 27 in Delhi. In eight matches (seven innings) this season, he has scored 123 runs at an average of 41 and a strike rate of 146.42.

“Stubbs should be batting a little higher” – Rayudu’s suggestion for DC

During the same discussion, Rayudu urged DC to promote in-form Tristan Stubbs to No. 3 in the batting order to try and avoid collapses. He also stated that the franchise can open with either Prithvi Shaw or Abishek Porel in place of Pathum Nissanka. Rayudu said:

“I think Stubbs should be batting a little higher to negate the quick fall of wickets. Maybe he should bat number three and get an Indian opener – Prithvi Shaw or Abishek Porel – to balance the opening slot. They have the personnel to do it because their bowling is fantastic, at least on paper.”

In nine innings in IPL 2026, Stubbs has scored 257 runs at an average of 51.40 and a strike rate of 136.70, with the aid of two half-centuries.