Delhi Capitals (DC) are gearing up for a fresh start in the new IPL cycle, with a new captain- Axar Patel, a revamped coaching staff, and several key additions to their squad. After a disappointing run in the previous season, where they failed to make the playoffs, DC are determined to turn things around under the leadership of Axar Patel.
What’s New for Delhi Capitals?
New Leadership and Coaching Setup
- Captaincy Shift: With Rishabh Pant unavailable, the captaincy baton has been handed to Axar Patel, a seasoned campaigner who has been with DC since 2019. Axar, retained for a hefty INR 16.5 crore, is at the peak of his career and a key figure in India’s limited-overs setup.
- Coaching Overhaul: Ricky Ponting’s long stint as head coach has come to an end, with former India batter Hemang Badani taking charge. Badani is supported by a strong coaching group, including Matthew Mott (former England men’s team coach), Kevin Pietersen (team mentor), and Munaf Patel (2011 World Cup winner).
Squad Reinforcements
DC have bolstered their squad with some strategic additions:
- Pace Attack: Mitchell Starc and T Natarajan headline the new pace battery, with Mohit Sharma, who had a stellar IPL 2023, adding depth.
- Batting Firepower: KL Rahul, Faf du Plessis, Karun Nair, Sameer Rizvi, and Ashutosh Sharma bring experience and explosiveness to the lineup.
Full Squad
Batters: KL Rahul, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Karun Nair, Faf du Plessis, Sameer Rizvi, Ashutosh Sharma
All-rounders: Axar Patel (C), Donovan Ferreira, Abishek Porel, Tristan Stubbs
Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, T Natarajan, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohit Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Dushmantha Chameera
Injury and Availability Concerns
- Harry Brook’s Absence: The English batter’s withdrawal is a significant blow for DC. They are yet to name a replacement, leaving Donovan Ferreira or Faf du Plessis as potential options to fill the void.
- Mitchell Starc’s Workload: Starc, returning to competitive cricket after skipping the Champions Trophy, recently mentioned ankle pain during Test cricket. His workload will be closely monitored, especially with the WTC Final looming post-IPL.
Players to Watch
KL Rahul: A Point to Prove
KL Rahul, who parted ways with Lucknow Super Giants under contentious circumstances, has a lot to prove. Despite his consistent performances, questions about his strike rate in T20s persist. Will he rediscover his 2018 form or reinvent himself by batting lower down the order?
Sameer Rizvi: Breakout Candidate
After limited opportunities with Chennai Super Kings, Sameer Rizvi has a chance to shine for DC. Known for his consistent performances in domestic cricket, Rizvi could be the middle-order anchor DC needs in Brook’s absence.
Fixture Build-Up and Challenges
- DC will begin their campaign with two matches in Vizag before playing their first home game in Delhi, three weeks into the tournament.
- A favorable schedule with five-day gaps between early matches provides ample time for adjustments and strategizing.
Home Ground Stat to Watch
Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium saw the highest average first-innings score (235) in IPL 2024, with both pace and spin being taken to the cleaners. DC’s death bowling, a weak spot in recent seasons, will be under scrutiny. The additions of Starc and Natarajan aim to address this issue.
The Road Ahead
With a mix of experience and youth, a fresh coaching setup, and a determined captain in Axar Patel, Delhi Capitals are poised for a resurgence. Can they overcome past struggles and make a strong playoff push in IPL 2025? Only time will tell.
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