In a dramatic shift from last year's performance, the Delhi Capitals could be poised for a significant comeback in the upcoming IPL 2024 season, boasted by the return of their captain Rishabh Pant, who will garner all the limelight when the Capitals first step onto the field in IPL 2024. Pant was sidelined for the previous season after a horrific car crash in December 2022. Last year, with David Warner stepping in as captain, expectations were high for the team to secure a playoff berth. However, the Capitals faced challenges, concluding the season with only five victories out of fourteen matches, landing them in the 9th position.
This season, Rishabh Pant returns to lead the team, marking his comeback to competitive cricket, and possibly resuming his wicket-keeping duties after receiving the necessary clearance from the NCA.
Strengths
Delhi Capitals' strength lies in their seasoned top 4, featuring prominent names like David Warner, Prithvi Shaw, Mitchell Marsh, and Rishabh Pant, who are anticipated to be the main run-scorers for the team. Shaw, looking to rebound from a less-than-ideal previous season, and Warner, who was among the top run-scorers last year, will be expected to get Delhi off to flyers. Mitchell Marsh's previous year's all-round performance and the finishing prowess of Pant further solidify the batting lineup. With Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, they have two of the best left-arm spinners in the world right now.
Weakness
Delhi Capitals' lower-middle order will be their biggest worry after Harry Brook decided to give IPL 2024 a miss. While Axar Patel can pack a punch with the bat, the uncertainty in their batting order beyond the Top 4 could prove to be their undoing. Jake Fraser McGurk has come as a backup and while Tristan Stubbs could feature at No. 5 or 6, DC once again lack bite in their lower-order.
Probable XI
Prithvi Shaw
David Warner
Mitchell Marsh
Rishabh Pant (C & WK)
Tristan Stubbs
Abhishek Porel
Axar Patel
Kuldeep Yadav
Mukesh Kumar
Anrich Nortje
Khaleel Ahmed
Delhi Capitals schedule for first leg
March 23 - Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals, Mullanpur - 3:30 PM
March 28 - Rajasthan Royals vs Delhi Capitals, Jaipur - 7:30 PM
March 31 - Delhi Capitals vs Chennai Super Kings, Visakhapatnam - 7:30 PM
April 3 - Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Visakhapatnam - 7:30 PM
April 7 - Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Capitals, Mumbai - 3:30 PM
Delhi Capitals full squad for IPL 2024
Rishabh Pant, Pravin Dubey, David Warner, Vicky Ostwal, Prithvi Shaw, Anrich Nortje, Abishek Porel, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Lungi Ngidi, Lalit Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Mitchell Marsh, Ishant Sharma, Yash Dhull, Mukesh Kumar, Tristan Stubbs, Ricky Bhui, Kumar Kushagra, Rasikh Dar, Jhye Richardson, Sumit Kumar, Shai Hope, Swastik Chhikara