Former Australian spinner Brad Hogg has praised the Delhi Capitals’ (DC) bowling unit, naming them one of the top two greatest bowling assaults in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Returning skipper Rishabh Pant has a variety of alternatives to create a well-rounded bowling attack and make a strong push for victory following two dismal seasons in a row.
Anrich Nortje’s comeback from injury and Kuldeep Yadav’s red-hot form are the franchise’s two most promising bowling prospects. Mukesh Yadav and Axar Patel’s development over the previous year has also been a significant boost for the team, which also has solid alternatives in Khaleel Ahmed and Ishan Sharma.
Nortje has not played at the highest level since being injured during the home series against Australia in September 2023. As a result, the speedster will miss the 2023 ODI World Cup as well as the home series against India. He recently played for the Warriors in the CSA T20 Challenge and will be eager to compete in the IPL in preparation for the Proteas’ 2024 T20 World Cup.
“Anrich Nortje is the go-to man in any tough scenario that DC will find themselves in, he is the man they go to to get quick wickets and try to get the momentum back in their favor. I think DC’s bowling attack is up there in the top two best bowling units in the IPL.”
Brad Hogg
However, DC’s hitting has been as erratic as it gets. David Warner cut a lonely figure last season as the other batsmen struggled, and Hogg believes DC will have to avoid losing wickets in a row, resulting in low returns in the death overs.
“DC’s weakness is their batting. They do get off to good starts in the powerplay, but they lose too many wickets and that puts too much pressure on trying to have wickets in hand for the final four to five overs, where they have been the worst-performing team over the last couple of years.”
Brad Hogg
The 2020 IPL finalists averaged only 8.57 runs per over in the last overs of the 2023 season, placing them last among the franchises in this category.
Brad Hogg Foresees DC’s Advantage with Pant’s Return in Exploiting Spin Bowling
Rishabh Pant put an end to all of the suspense when he confirmed that he is ready to play in the IPL 2024 in a full capacity, which includes batting, wicketkeeping, and leadership. Pant has not played competitive cricket since December 2022, but has allegedly appeared in fantastic form during his recuperation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
Brad Hogg also discussed how the southpaw’s comeback may turn things around for the team. He believes DC will finally have some middle-order solidity and a candidate capable of handling spin bowling to enhance momentum.
“Pant coming back has added more stability in the middle overs, he is very dominant against spin bowling, and they really needed someone to expose spin bowling in the middle overs.”
Brad Hogg
On Saturday, March 23, DC will face the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the first match of their IPL 2024 campaign.