The Delhi Capitals have been quite successful in the IPL after the owners decided to change the name of the team. Earlier, the Delhi-based franchise played as the Delhi Daredevils and often struggled in the most crucial matches of the competition. The Delhi Daredevils had finished in the Top 4 multiple times. However, they could not go through the IPL Final even once.
The Delhi Capitals ended the team’s knockout jinx by defeating the Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2019 Eliminator. In IPL 2020, the team took one step forward and qualified for the tournament’s final. Although they could not defeat the Mumbai Indians in the summit clash, the Shreyas Iyer-led outfit won everyone’s respect with their solid performances in IPL 2020.
One cannot say that the Delhi Capitals made it to the finals because of their luck. Their team performed like a well-oiled unit. Although there were some errors during the second half of the league stage, the Capitals gained momentum in the business end and made it to the final.
Talking about the biggest positives for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020, Shikhar Dhawan had his best season. The left-handed opener destroyed the opposition bowling lineups with his fantastic batting performances. Dhawan became the first player in IPL history to score back-to-back centuries. He missed out on the Orange Cap by a small margin.
Shreyas Iyer was excellent, scoring 519 runs in 17 matches. Rishabh Pant struggled in the initial games but scored a half-century in the IPL Final. Prithvi Shaw has lost his touch, but he is a player who could become a big star soon. Ajinkya Rahane is a veteran and could probably open the innings ahead of Shaw in IPL 2021.
Shimron Hetmyer and Alex Carey are the names in the danger of losing his contract. Marcus Stoinis did a commendable job in both departments. Speaking of spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin was great and Axar Patel supported him brilliantly. Unfortunately, Amit Mishra could not play much because of an injury. Uncapped player Pravin Dubey could not take a wicket after coming in as a replacement player.
Among the fast bowlers, Mohit Sharma, Avesh Khan, and Daniel Sams had an opportunity to impress in Ishant Sharma’s absence. However, the trio could not back Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje. Uncapped player Tushar Deshpande did a decent job in the five opportunities he received. Harshal Patel’s contract status likely depends on his performance in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Surprisingly, the Delhi Capitals did not use Sandeep Lamichhane and Keemo Paul in the previous season. With IPL likely returning to India in 2021, Sandeep will get an opportunity to play. Similarly, Paul will be the back-up option for Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. Uncapped Lalith Yadav will likely get another season with DC since the team management could not give him a chance to play.
Here’s a look at the list of players the Delhi Capitals might retain and release before IPL 2021 Auction.
Players DC might retain: Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Amit Mishra, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, Ishant Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Keemo Paul, Prithvi Shaw, Ravichandran Ashwin, Rishabh Pant, Sandeep Lamichhane, Shikhar Dhawan, Tushar Deshpande, Marcus Stoinis, Lalith Yadav
Players DC might release: Avesh Khan, Alex Carey, Shimron Hetmyer, Mohit Sharma, Daniel Sams, Pravin Dubey.
