The Delhi Capitals lived up to their potential in IPL 2020 and finished runners-up in the season. Playing under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, the Delhi-based franchise secured a place in the IPL Final for the first time in their history. The Delhi Capitals only struggled against the Mumbai Indians in the tournament.
Overall, Delhi had a fantastic season, with the likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Ravichandran Ashwin being the star performers. Delhi have retained their primary players ahead of the IPL 2021 Auction. However, they need to have some proper back-up options in case there are injuries or a player struggles to get going.
The Delhi Capitals released Keemo Paul, Daniel Sams, Jason Roy, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Alex Carey from their overseas group. Here are the five foreign stars DC could target to bolster their squad.
5. Tom Banton
The Delhi Capitals need a back-up wicket-keeping option for Rishabh Pant. Last year, Pant missed out on a few matches, and Alex Carey could not perform well in his absence.
Thus, DC will hunt for a back-up wicket-keeper. Tom Banton could be an excellent choice for this year. Banton can not only keep the wickets for DC, but he can also if Prithvi Shaw or Ajinkya Rahane are not available.
4. Isuru Udana
After Daniel Sams’ release, the Delhi Capitals do not have a left-arm fast bowling option in their squad. They have retained the quartet of Ishant Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Chris Woakes. Even Marcus Stoinis bowls right-arm medium-pace.
Hence, to add variety to their pace attack, DC could consider signing Isuru Udana. The Sri Lankan all-rounder had a decent outing in his debut season with RCB last year. Also, he can strike a few big ones with the bat in the slog overs.
3. Liton Das
As mentioned ahead, the Delhi Capitals need a back-up wicket-keeper for their first-choice glovesman Rishabh Pant. Bangladesh’s opener Liton Das has done a great job in white-ball cricket.
In 2020, Das aggregated 751 runs in 21 T20s. He could even open the innings for the Capitals. Thus, DC could offer Liton his maiden IPL contract.
2. Moeen Ali
The Delhi Capitals used Shimron Hetmyer as their finisher in IPL 2020. While the Caribbean batsman is quite dangerous in the slog overs, the Capitals will like to have a back-up option in that department also.
The Royal Challengers Bangalore let go of their English all-rounder Moeen Ali before IPL 2021. Ali can play the finisher’s role well and also support Ravichandran Ashwin and Amit Mishra in the spin department. He could provide balance to the DC unit.
1. Matthew Wade
Australian wicket-keeper batsman Matthew Wade had a fantastic outing in the T20Is against India. He ended 2020 with 539 runs to his name in 15 T20 matches.
Wade will be the number one contender to take Alex Carey’s spot in the DC squad. Ricky Ponting would know a lot about Matthew, and his recent form would have gained the franchise’s attention. Thus, DC might target Matthew Wade in the auction.
