Last Updated on 2 weeks by Charbel Coorey

DC IPL 2020 Preview: Can DC Build on Last Season? | Will DC win IPL 2020? | Delhi Capitals Strengths and Weaknesses IPL 2020 | Delhi Capitals Squad IPL

Delhi Capitals have always had great T20 players, including Virender Sehwag, David Warner, Gautam Gambhir, Andre Russell and AB de Villiers. So, it is a bit of a mystery as to why they haven’t won the IPL Title yet.

However, now, the first thing that comes to mind when you hear “Delhi Capitals” is talent for the future. The positive result last season, after a total revamp of the team and management (new name, jersey and management), puts DC in a decent position ahead of the new season in the UAE.

This year, with a solid squad, they have the chance to build on last season, after a mostly young side with some experience under a young skipper saw them bow out in the qualifiers too easily.

So, can they win the title for the first time? Here’s a preview of the Delhi Capitals for IPL 2020.

DC squad for IPL 2020:

Shreyas Iyer (c), Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, Shikhar Dhawan, Daniel Sams, Ishant Sharma, Amit Mishra, Avesh Khan, Sandeep Lamichhane, Kagiso Rabada, Keemo Paul, Mohit Sharma, Lalit Yadav, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, R Ashwin, Marcus Stoinis, Chris Woakes, Rishabh Pant, Alex Carey, Shimron Hetmyer, Tushar Deshpande

Strengths of Delhi Capitals:

1. Good Squad on Paper

As a result of their good performance on the auction table, DC has one of the most balanced squads this season. They have a great bunch of batters such as Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer.

Add to this the all-rounders, who are all capable with the willow: Marcus Stoinis, Chris Woakes, Axar Patel, Harshal Patel, and Keemo Paul. Also, one can not forget that new recruit Ravi Ashwin is more than handy with the bat, too.

In the bowling department, Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma, Chris Woakes, Mohit Sharma, Keemo Paul, and Avesh Khan are the pace bowlers. Sandeep Lamichhane, Amit Mishra, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Axar Patel will lead the spin the department.

Overall DC has most boxes ticked. They have a good squad with good backup players. They have a great blend of youth and experience in the squad, with most bases covered.

2. Gun Top Order

DC has a strong lineup when compared to the other seven teams. They have Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, and Ajinkya Rahane as the opening options. Marcus Stoinis can bat up the order, too. All can provide strong impact at the top.

Then, they have Shimron Hetmyer, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant in the middle for more fireworks. Indeed, any of these three can take the team over the line on their day. Further, Keemo Paul and Ravi Ashwin can add further runs down the order if needed.

This batting lineup is arguably one of the best in the competition and is capable of setting/chasing big scores. It will be very exciting to see them in action.

3. Excellent Spin Attack

With the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin to the likes of Sandeep Lamichhane, Amit Mishra and Axar Patel, Delhi Capitals have an excellent spin attack suited for the slow track of the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

They have variety in their spin attack:

• Lamichhane is performing in T20 Leagues around the globe. He’s also coming off a 6-for against the USA.
• Amit Mishra is the “hat trick” man of IPL with three hat tricks to his name. Although his current form is not that flash, you can’t keep him out of the conversation.
• Ravichandran Ashwin is a legend of Indian cricket and adds quality off-spin, variations and experience to the attack.
• They also have a left arm-orthodox in Axar Patel, who depends on accuracy and varies his speed.

This DC spin attack has everything and is very important as DC will need them to perform to qualify for the playoffs.

Also read – IPL 2020 Coverage on CricBlog:

• 7 Players Who Can Win the IPL 2020 Orange Cap
• 5 Players Who Can Win the IPL 2020 Purple Cap
• 5 Stars Who Need to Prove Themselves

Weaknesses of Delhi Capitals:

Along with the above-mentioned strengths, DC has few areas where they’ll need to work. Let’s have a look:

1. Too Many Openers

Although DC has a very good batting squad with Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw and Ajinkya Rahane in their ranks, the problem is that they all are openers or have been opening in the IPL. If DC play even three of these players, the middle order will automatically get demoted. For example, Marcus Stoinis’ best position is opener in T20 cricket, and Alex Carey has also spent time as opener in the BBL.

This could force the likes of Shimron Hetmyer, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant too low compared to their original batting positions. So, it is important for DC to find the best XI for their side and they’ll want to figure this out before its too late.

2. Lacks a Good Finisher

DC, as mentioned, has gun players in the top and middle-order but they do lack a good finisher at six. With Shreyas Iyer at four and Rishabh Pant at five, someone needs to be there to finish games for them. Marcus Stoinis can take his time to get going, which leaves either Alex Carey or Shimron Hetmyer in the more unfamiliar position of six.

It would be tough for them if there is a collapse or they need quick runs if someone like Pant is out. Axar Patel can bat but doesn’t seem as good with the bat to take that role.

This is an area where DC lacks behind the other teams and will need to sort this out.

3. Pace Department’s Over-Dependency on Rabada

Delhi Capitals are very dependent on Rabada in the fast bowling department. Ishant Sharma is there, but he’s not a death bowler. They have Chris Woakes but it’s difficult for him to play every game due to the four overseas players limit. Avesh Khan needs to prove himself and Mohit Sharma can leak runs in the death overs. Tushar Deshpande is inexperienced.

DC is really missing a good Indian fast bowler and will want Mohit Sharma and Avesh Khan to take this opportunity and perform well for the team.

Verdict

The DC batting lineup may rely too much on Shimron Hetmyer and Rishabh Pant for big totals. So, their best chance would be to bat first and choke their opponents with spin, which also reduces their reliance on Kagiso Rabada.

Expect DC to be fighting for a playoffs spot, but it is important they have a good start to the season.

Thanks for reading!

Written by Robin Rounder. Follow Robin on Twitter today.