Probable Delhi Capitals Playing XI for IPL 2020
Prithvi Shaw/Ajinkya Rahane
Delhi are going to have a tough time managing their top-order. They have quite a few players who can bat at the top of the order and at the same time, command a place in the starting XI. With Ajinkya Rahane in the team, it would be interesting to see, how the combination of the DC goes. Shaw might just start ahead of Rahane given his recent exploits in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Despite the presence of many openers, Shikhar Dhawan is a near certainty in this line-up. The 34-year-old has done well at the top of the order over the last two years. The left-handed opener has scored 496 and 521 runs in 2018 and 2019, respectively highlighting his class and consistency.
Ever since Shreyas Iyer took over captaincy of the Delhi Capitals, Iyer has become more consistent. The Mumbai-born cricketer has also scored 400+ in the last couple of years.
So far, Pant has flattered to deceive in international cricket. However, Pant has had a couple of excellent IPL seasons where he has destroyed teams at will by his big hitting. In the last 2 years Pant has outscored every player scoring more than 1100 runs and striking at above 165 truly remarkable.
Hetmyer was a big disappointment last IPL season and it was only after the IPL, his slide began. But he seems to have regained some form and is looking good. Delhi paid INR 7.75 crore to avail the services of Hetmyer. The West Indian left-hander will bat in the middle and along with Pant, gives this batting line-up a strong look.
Keemo Paul/Sandeep Lamichhane
It may well be a toss-up between Keemo Paul, Sandeep Lamichhane and Carey, while Paul played eight games for Delhi Capitals and took nine wickets. He can bowl well at the death and that may prove to be a big factor in his inclusion.
WhileStoinis scored 211 runs at an average of 52.75 and had a strike-rate of 135.26 for RCB his inconsistency meant RCB released him. But Delhi made use of the opportunity to buy him in the auction this time around. With a top-heavy side, Delhi have added some firepower in the middle, additionally his ability to chip in with a few overs combined with the absence of Chris Woakes means Stoinis might start for Delhi Capitals. If DC want a pure hitter at the lower order they might opt for Carey.
Axar’s all-round ability means he will certainly start for DC. Despite his slight frame, the left-hander can hit the ball a long way. Last season was Axar’s first with Delhi in the IPL. He fared decently as he picked up 10 wickets and was also economical as usual.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin may have perhaps been the biggest name to be traded in the IPL trading window. The Tamil Nadu off-spinner did not really set the world alight for KXIP as he got just 25 wickets from 28 games. However, the pitches in UAE might assist Ashwin and he will be the lead spinner for DC.
One of the reasons for DC’s success last season was Kagiso Rabada. The ace South African pacer had a brilliant season with the ball. He played just 12 matches and took 25 wickets which is the second-most in that season.
Ishant Sharma’s white-ball career was nearly over before IPL 2019 and it was a surprise Delhi picked him, but the lanky pacer from Delhi repaid the faith as he constantly picked up wickets. Ishant picked up 13 wickets in as many matches.