Aakash Chopra has expressed concern about the Delhi Capitals’ batting order, which he considers unpredictable, heading into IPL 2023. The absence of Rishabh Pant from the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League is a significant setback for the Capitals, as he not only served as their captain but also as a reliable middle-order batsman and wicketkeeper. During a show, Chopra highlighted that the Capitals might have to play their batters in unfamiliar positions due to the void left by Pant’s absence, which could impact the team’s overall batting strategy and player performance. He said:
“David Warner is the new captain. If I see their batting order, it is slightly difficult – Prithvi Shaw and David Warner as openers. Mitchell Marsh at No. 3. Can Sarfaraz Khan fill Rishabh Pant’s spot or Manish Pandey at No. 4?
Aakash Chopra added:
“Then Rilee Rossouw at No. 5. Then you will again see a gap. You can put Sarfaraz there at No. 6 and, after that, Axar Patel and then the four bowlers. I know what you are thinking – that much might is not seen. The batting order is looking slightly topsy-turvy to me.”
Despite concerns about Delhi Capitals’ unpredictable batting order, Aakash Chopra believes that the team can have a successful season if their top three batters perform well. Chopra cited the potential impact of David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Prithvi Shaw, and Rilee Rossouw in the upcoming IPL season. In IPL 2022, Warner was the team’s top run-scorer with 432 runs, while Shaw and Marsh also had decent outings. Chopra emphasized that their batting will decide Delhi Capitals’ overall performance.
Chopra on Pant’s absence as a ‘huge spanner’ for Delhi Capitals
Chopra considers Pant’s absence as the major issue for Delhi Capitals. He said:
“The biggest concern is Rishabh Pant’s unavailability. That is like a huge spanner in the works. They have yet to announce any replacement, well. No one can replace Rishabh Pant in the entire world. So it is extremely difficult to get an Indian replacement. You can take it as impossible.”
Delhi Capitals might have to choose between Sarfaraz Khan and Phil Salt for the wicketkeeper-batsman position due to Pant’s absence, which could affect their overseas player balance.
