A 27-run loss to the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Wednesday has severely harmed the Delhi Capitals’ (DC) chances of making the playoffs. They can now only score a maximum of 14 points, and their net run rate isn’t promising enough to keep them in fourth position.
DC’s season began terribly, as they dropped their first five games in a row. After that, they won four out of the next five games, which doesn’t cover up some of the inconsistent performances by certain players.
While the DC think tank may hold responsible for some of the decision-making, there are several players who, despite being supported, have failed to live up to expectations. The Capitals may dismiss these players next season in order to bring in fresh faces.
On that point, let’s take a look at three such players:
3) Rovman Powell
In the IPL 2022 season, Rovman Powell scored 250 runs in 14 games at a strike rate of over 150, leading the Delhi Capitals to feel that they had discovered a superb finisher. Powell appeared to be adding to the West Indies T20I leadership group after assuming command of the team.
However, the all-rounder’s performance in the IPL 2023 season has been underwhelming. He was pulled from the team after scoring only seven runs in three games. Powell’s vulnerability to wrist spin was exposed, and the DC management seemed to have lost trust in his talents.
2) Sarfaraz Khan
With Rishabh Pant ruled out of the IPL 2023 season due to a horrible car accident, the Capitals began to train Sarfaraz Khan, who had some experience donning the gloves. Sarfaraz appeared to be getting a run of games where he might emulate his spectacular form in domestic cricket.
Sarfaraz, on the other hand, only scored 53 runs in four games. His glovework was also lacking, and he was pulled from the squad entirely. Although he may appear as an impact replacement again this season, his prospects of playing for the Delhi Capitals next season are slim.
1) Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw has been arguably DC’s biggest letdown this season. The powerful opener had a strong domestic season and was recalled to the Indian T20I team. Shaw was projected to be a key contribution in Pant’s absence during the IPL 2023 season, which was intended to be a huge one for him.
Shaw, on the other hand, has been axed from the team after scoring only 47 runs in six games. Ricky Ponting, the team’s head coach, spoke candidly about Shaw’s troubles and the team’s overall performance. The position appears to be intolerable, and it is difficult to imagine him returning to the Capitals next season.