The IPL 2024 is just a week away now, and Delhi Capitals is certainly the most sought after teams in the latest season, for reasons galore. Their captain and India wicket-keeper is returning after a 14-month injury hiatus, and then there is presence of some exceptional talent in the team. Moreover, a lot of expected out of a team, that couldn’t get it’s act together in the last two years, despite finishing runners-up in 2020, and topping the league stages in 2021.
The team under Pant will have a lot to prove, since on paper, just about every department ticks the box, but it all boils down to, whether these players will gel as a unit. Most importantly, it wouldn’t be easy for Pant to deliver straight up, as a captain and as a batsman. He could feel a little out of place, in the initial few matches.
Also, he would be looking to make a mark, since the T20 World Cup is lined-up, just after the IPL. But if Pant finds a way to come good, results for Delhi Capitals will follow immediately. Rest, one will have to wait for the tournament to begin, to see how DC fare.
Delhi Capitals’ Performance in Recent Years
It wouldn’t be wrong to call Delhi, the under-achievers of the IPL. From 2013 to 2018, they saw their lowest when they failed to make it to the playoffs every single time. Then from 2019 onwards, they saw a few good years, where they made three-back-to-back playoffs appearances. In fact, reached the final in 2020, but lost to Mumbai Indians in the final.
From there on they’ve plummeted again. The fluctuations have been massive in their performances, reminiscent of the stock market. In 2022, they lost out on a berth narrowly, as they finished fifth in the league stages with 7 wins and as many losses in 14 encounters. And in 2023, with Pant missing, their team combination went for a toss, as they finished 9th, with 5 wins in 14 matches.
Team Delhi Capitals SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Batting has to be one of the biggest positives for the Delhi team this year. David Warner, who is in the last leg of his career, has no pressure of delivering, while Prithvi Shaw is back in full swing, after his injury layoff. Then there is Mitchell Marsh, who is in the form of his life. Not to forget the very talented Shai Hope and Tristan Stubbs, along with Rishabh Pant, who can change the game alone, in a space of few balls.
When it comes to spin bowling, it also looks sorted. Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav alone can be lethal in any format, and with the latter’s recent exploits in the IND vs ENG Test series, every opposition will be vary of him. All-rounder Lalit Yadav is a decent bowler too and can be a containing option, if Delhi wants an alternate to Axar.
Weaknesses
The lack of foreign bowling options, in spin and pace, can land Delhi in a soup. Yes, Jhye Richardson is there, but he has been injury prone to say the least, and has missed more games than he has played, in the last few years. Plus, Mitch Marsh with his medium-pacers might not be very effective.
Come to Indian fast bowlers. No one really knows, how Ishant Sharma is bowling, since he just played a handful of Ranji matches for Delhi this year. Khaleel Ahmed too didn’t have the best tournament. So bowling, overall is a concern.
Not to forget, who will keep the wickets for Delhi? Pant might just excuse himself of the duty. Abhishek Porel wasn’t great with the bat last year, and playing him as specialist keeper, could be a liability for the team. Finally, they might have to opt for Shai Hope, or Kumar Kushagara.
Key Players
Without any doubt, Delhi would expect a lot from Marsh. He has been the go-to man for the Aussies in the shortest-format, is a captaincy candidate for them, and he would be ask to fulfill similar duties for the Delhi side as well. Plus, on his day, he is punishing with the bat.
Another key player for the team would be Warner. Despite scoring six fifties last year, he did not set the stage of fire, like he is expected to do so. If he can come good, Delhi will be the team to watch out for. And once again, he will have leadership duties too, along with Pant.
DC Squad for IPL 2024
Rishabh Pant (c), Pravin Dubey, David Warner, Vicky Ostwal, Prithvi Shaw, Anrich Nortje, Abishek Porel, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Lungi Ngidi, Lalit Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Mitchell Marsh, Ishant Sharma, Yash Dhull, Mukesh Kumar, Harry Brook, Tristan Stubbs, Ricky Bhui, Kumar Kushagra, Rasikh Dar, Jhye Richardson, Sumit Kumar, Shai Hope, Swastik Chhikara.
DC Fixtures in IPL 2024
| Date | Opposition | Venue | Time |
| March 23 | Punjab Kings | Mohali | 3.30 PM |
| March 28 | Rajasthan Royals | Jaipur | 7.30 PM |
| March 31 | Chennai Super Kings | Vizag | 7.30 PM |
| April 3 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Vizag | 7.30 PM |
| April 7 | Mumbai Indians | Mumbai | 3.30 PM |
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