Despite having 2020 IPL finalists, the Delhi Capitals (DC) have had a disastrous start to their 2023 IPL season. They’ve lost all five matches and are currently at the bottom of the standings. The absence of regular captain Rishabh Pant and lack of form from several players have almost doomed them out of the playoff race.
David Warner has carried the team’s batting, yet the team has failed to come together and post impressive performances. JSW and GMR are now assessing the season, which is going to be the second consecutive year that Delhi Capitals fails to make it to the playoffs. There is speculation that the owners are looking to trim the coaching staff and even discuss the potential of replacing head coach Ricky Ponting. A source told:
“Obviously, nothing will happen mid-season, but the poor result for two successive seasons will have its share of repercussions when JSW and GMR, the two co-owners, sit back and take stock of the season. So you will certainly not have this jumbo coaching staff next season for sure. There will be a few heads that might roll.”
In 2018, Ponting was made the head coach of Delhi Capitals and guided them to their first-ever IPL finals appearance in 2020. Sourav Ganguly was also reappointed as the director of cricket prior to the 2023 season. Along with these two big names, DC has a strong backroom staff comprising Shane Watson, James Hopes, Biju George, Ajit Agarkar, and Pravin Amre.
Sarfaraz Khan might be used as an opener for Delhi Capitals ahead of Prithvi Shaw
DC’s poor form, led by Prithvi Shaw’s dismal batting record, has jeopardized the team for the remainder of the tournament. Shaw has failed to produce significant contributions, with two ducks and only 34 runs in five matches. The franchise brought Abhishek Porel as a wicketkeeper instead of Sarfaraz Khan, who had originally been given the spot. Despite this, sources have suggested that Sarfaraz may now be given the chance to open alongside David Warner.