Aakash Chopra believes Delhi Capitals (DC) might see a change in their luck in IPL 2024, especially if Rishabh Pant can play.
The team was lacking their captain in the previous IPL round. David Warner was in charge instead. They came in ninth out of ten. This year, they’re aiming to perform better.
Chopra said in a video posted to his YouTube account that the Delhi Capitals are hoping that Pant’s possible arrival will put an end to their previous season’s problems.
“Last year, the Capitals had taken an oath that they would stay close to the bottom of the table. The chances of Rishabh Pant’s availability are bright this year. It seems like spring will suddenly come once Rishabh Pant comes in.”
Aakash Chopra
Tristan Stubbs is a wonderful addition for the Capitals, according to the former India opener. But he was a little taken aback when they chose not to pursue Shahrukh Khan, explaining:
“They have taken Tristan Stubbs, who I feel is a good option, a wicketkeeper-batter who can bat down the order. They now have Ricky Bhui and Kumar Kushagra. They had saved a lot of money for Kumar Kushagra, that they needed him for sure. I felt they would break the bank for Shahrukh.”
Aakash Chopra
According to Chopra, the Delhi Capitals were unable to address their lower-middle order problems.
“You had to strengthen your middle order and lower-middle order because that is where the problem lay. You have David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant, if he is there, at the top, but who at Nos. 5, 6 and 7? Their last year’s problem will remain almost similar this year as well.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra conceded that Pant may potentially address a significant number of DC’s issues. He clarified that he is a little doubtful about Harry Brook delivering the goods by saying that the lower-middle order does not have that much might.
“It seemed like they would have to shop a little for fast bowlers and they did that” – Aakash Chopra on the Delhi Capitals
Aakash Chopra said that the Delhi Capitals purchased a significant number of seamers in the auction as was to be expected.
“They released quite a few fast bowlers. They let Mustafizur Rahman and Chetan Sakariya go. So it seemed like they would have to shop a little for fast bowlers and they did that.”
Aakash Chopra
Rasikh Dar and Jhye Richardson, according to the reliable pundit, are excellent acquisitions for the Delhi-based team.
“They bought Rasikh Dar, who was doing well, in fast bowling and they have kept Jhye Richardson. They earlier went after Spencer Johnson as well. Jhye Richardson is actually not a bad choice.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra mentioned that the Capitals boast a team full of fast bowlers, naming Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Jhye Richardson, Khaleel Ahmed, Ishant Sharma, and Mukesh Kumar. He also highlighted that they have talented spinbowlers like Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel.
Yet, he ended with a note of doubt. Despite their past success in IPL 2020, he still questions if they’ll excel in the league’s next edition.