IPL 2020 Exclusive: Strongest Predicted 11 of Delhi Capitals (DC)
DC’s depth in batting, the focus as we look at the strongest predicted playing 11 of Delhi Capitals (DC) for IPL 2020 matches in UAE.
The shifting of IPL 2020 from India to UAE wouldn’t impact the Delhi Capitals as much as other squads. The home of Delhi Capitals, Delhi is known for producing slow and low pitches, and the current squad seems well equipped for such transition.
While there are a few gaps in the squad like the pace department, the management may not be worried too much. Of course, the scenario would be a little offbeat from Delhi, but anyway, concerning acclimatization, they will be on the same dais as the other squads.
Delhi Capitals (DC) Squad for IPL 2020 UAE:
Batsmen: Ajinkya Rahane, Alex Carey (WK), Prithvi Shaw, Rishab Pant (WK), Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer (C), AND Shimron Hetmyer.
All-rounders: Axar Patel, Daniel Sams, Harshal Patel, Lalit Yadav, Keemo Paul, Marcus Stoinis, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Bowlers: Avesh Khan, Amit Mishra, Anrich Nortje, Ishant Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Mohit Sharma, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Tushar Deshpande
So, looking at the squad composition and pitches in UAE, what could be the strongest predicted playing 11 for Delhi Capitals (DC) for IPL 2020. Let’s have a look in this article.
Openers
Shikhar Dhawan || Prithvi Shaw
Considering that pitches in UAE somewhat echo the ones offered by Delhi, there would not be many variations in the playing XI. Hence, we think that Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw would still be DC’s pick for these two slots in UAE. This combination of youth and experience has clicked, and with both representing the Indian team, DC would not like to tinker the setup here.
However, the latest addition Rahane will offer strong competition to the Shikhar-Prithvi duo. Rahane is a brilliant asset on slow pitches, and has been successful in UAE in IPL 2014, but with the packed top-order, he might not get the opportunity to start in the team right away. Similarly, Marcus Stoinis and Jason Roy could also occupy the openers’ slot if a situation arises.
Middle-order:
Shreyas Iyer (C) || Shimron Hetmyer || Rishab Pant (WK)
The strongest segment of Delhi Capitals is their middle-order. Anywhere around the world, it would have been this trio that would have operated here. With an average age of just 23, DC’s middle-order trio is extremely exciting, and one that could shift tides the upcoming season.
Captain Shreyas Iyer is India’s solution for No.4, and there are very few who could replace him in the Indian squad. Iyer’s adaptability is his strength. He can shift gears very easily, and Ricky Ponting and co. are likely to appoint the Mumbai born cricketer as the anchor of the batting line-up.
Below him would be two cricketers who have similar styles of play. Left-handed power-hitters, Hetmyer and Pant can take the attack to the opposition with comfort. While Pant is experienced in the competition, with Hetmyer playing around, he might get the sufficient time that is needed to get used to the UAE conditions. Hetmyer has played well in India, and that would help him tackle the slow nature of the pitches at UAE.
All-rounders:
Marcus Stoinis || Keemo Paul || Ravichandran Ashwin
Marcus Stoinis was in excellent form in the BBL just before the Coronavirus pandemic hit the world. While his runs came as an opener, his experience of playing in the lower-order should help him convince the management for a spot in the line-up at number 6. Moreover, there is a sense of calm while he bats, and this is required for this team to avoid the quick fall of wickets. Not to forget, his medium pacers would be quite valuable in UAE.
If it were India, Axar Patel would have occupied the second all-rounder slot. However, we feel that Keemo Paul might be preferred in UAE. His variations will work big-time on the slower pitches, and his power-hitting will also be of use. If he does not do well enough, Chris Woakes and Harshal Patel can also come into the squad depending on the pitch and conditions.
The major factor why Ravichandran Ashwin chose a transfer to DC was that the pitches at Delhi would have been conducive to his bowling. He will be grateful that IPL 2020 will be in UAE, where the pitches are fairly similar. However, Ash will not have great memories of UAE, a place where Glenn Maxwell had taken him for a ride in IPL 2014. Nevertheless, the situation is different, and Ashwin will be a tougher customer to deal with now.
Bowlers:
Kagiso Rabada || Amit Mishra || Mohit Sharma
IPL 2019’s most effective pacer, Kagiso Rabada is there to lead this team’s bowling, and that will not change in UAE. The Proteas pacer can be lethal at both ends of the innings, and hence, he is DC’s priority pick in the line-up. A veteran in this team, Amit Mishra could have a good time in UAE. In the latter part of the tournament, pitches will start opening up, and with this, the leggie can spin many tales. He would also be thankful that Ravi Ashwin will be sharing the spin-bowling duties along with him.
Ishant Sharma, Mohit Sharma, and Avesh Khan would be vying for the second pacer spot. Amongst the three, we believe Mohit would be the best option. In IPL 2014, he had done well in the first five games in UAE. His experience, variations, and slow nature of the track combined together should help him get the edge above Ishant and Avesh.
The Predicted playing 11 for Delhi Capitals (DC) for IPL 2020 matches in UAE:
Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer (C), Shimron Hetmyer, Rishab Pant (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Keemo Paul, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kagiso Rabada, Amit Mishra, and Mohit Sharma.
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ALSO READ: IPL 2020 Special: Delhi Capitals (DC) Squad Rating for the season
Nesara is an Author at AK4Tsay1 Cricalytics. He is an Engineer by profession. Watching Cricket, Football & Movies is one of his topmost priorities within the day.
