Special: Delhi Capitals (DC) Best Predicted Playing 11 for IPL 2023

A loss of Rishabh Pant too big to fill as we look at the best predicted playing 11 for Delhi Capitals (DC) for IPL 2023.

Delhi Capitals are one of the three teams to have been hit by a major injury concern ahead of the tournament. In the form of a big loss, Delhi Capitals shall be without their 3 x1 player, Rishabh Pant. Rishabh, who manages Captaincy, Wicket-keeping and Middle-order batting had undergone a major accident a few months back; thus resulting in him being ruled out of IPL 2023. 

With Rishabh Pant not there, it is expected that David Warner shall lead the Captaincy duties for Delhi Capitals. Whereas Axar Patel shall be the vice-captain of the squad. The gap which Rishabh Pant has left is too big to fill for one single player. Also, there is no official replacement announced as yet for Pant.

Hence, selecting their first-choice and most vital playing 11 is a task in itself. Thankfully, other than Rishabh Pant, all players are fit and available for now. So, analyzing all aspects of the team and players, let’s look at the best predicted playing 11 combinations for Delhi Capitals in the absence of Rishabh Pant. 

IPL 2023 – Official Squad for Delhi Capitals (DC)

Batters: David Warner (c&o), Manish Pandey, Prithvi Shaw, Rilee Rossouw (o) & Sarfaraz Khan

WKs: Phil Salt (o)

All-rounders: Aman Khan, Axar Patel, Lalit Yadav, Mitchell Marsh (o), Ripal Patel, Rovman Powell (o) & Yash Dhull 

Bowlers: Anrich Nortje (o), Chetan Sakariya, Ishant Sharma, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Khaleel Ahmed, Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi (o), Mukesh Kumar, Mustafizur Rahman (o), Pravin Dubey & Vicky Ostwal

Total Players: 24 

Best Playing 11 for Delhi Capitals:

Openers: David Warner & Prithvi Shaw

Just like in 2022, Delhi Capitals should see a successful opening pair in the form of David Warner and Prithvi Shaw. Both are individually quite successful as openers in IPL, and both have their own set of desires to cope with. While Shaw would be wanting to give his best to get back in the national side, Warner would have an added captaincy responsibility to go with. 

Middle-order: Mitchell Marsh & Sarfaraz Khan 

The middle-order should see Mitchell Marsh at 3 and wicket-keeper Sarfaraz Khan at 4. The loss of Rishabh Pant is clearly seen here. Sarfaraz Khan wouldn’t have made it to the primary squad if Pant were there. But with Pant not there, not only will he have to don the wicket-keeping role, but will have to play fill the gap or the middle-order position. 

Finishers: Rovman Powell, Lalit Yadav & Axar Patel

Coming to the finishers, Delhi Capitals have good 3 names in the form of Rovman Powell, Lalit Yadav, and Axar Patel. All three have good hitting capabilities which will bring good firepower in the lower-order. In addition, Lalit Yadav and Axar Patel will have the spin bowling relying on their shoulders. Even Rovman Powell can bowl, but he is more of a part-time all-rounder. 

Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Anrich Nortje & Khaleel Ahmed

Finally, talking about the bowlers, Delhi Capitals have spinner Kuldeep Yadav and Pacers Mukesh Kumar, Anrich Nortje, and Khaleel Ahmed. It’s a great setup for Delhi as three of their four bowlers are left-handed. Anrich Nortje and Kuldeep Yadav are the team’s best pacer and spinner respectively. Whereas Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Kumar are good swing bowlers to exploit the powerplay. 

IPL 2023 Best Predicted Playing 11 for Delhi Capitals (DC): 

David Warner [c], Prithvi Shaw, Mitchell Marsh, Manish Pandey, Sarfaraz Khan [wk], Rovman Powell, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Anrich Nortje & Khaleel Ahmed

So, that’s about the best predicted playing 11 for Delhi Capitals for IPL 2023. Other than the one mentioned above, Delhi Capitals have the following playing 11 combinations to explore. 

Alternate Best Playing 11 Options for Delhi Capitals

#1: Manish Pandey for Lalit Yadav

Manish Pandey is an experienced campaigner in the team, but seeing his recent IPL form, he might find it difficult to get a place in the 11. But if his experience is anything to be considered, he can get a game ahead of Lalit Yadav to strengthen the middle-order. If Manish plays, he can play at 4 with Sarfaraz at 5 and Powell at 6. 

#2: Phil Salt for Mitchell Marsh

Delhi Capitals have one major issue, and that is the lack of a proper Indian wicket-keeper. If Delhi Capitals decide against using Sarfaraz, then Phil Salt can get a game in. Unfortunately, If Salt plays, one of Mitchell Marsh or Rovman Powell will have to sit out with Marsh being a more certainty. With Salt playing, Manish Pandey can also come in for Sarfaraz.  

#3: Chetan Sakariya / Ishant Sharma / Kamlesh Nagarkoti for Mukesh Kumar

Delhi Capitals have a plethora of pace bowlers to choose from. Even after selecting their best two Indian pacers, Delhi have Chetan Sakariya, Ishant Sharma, and Kamlesh Nagarkoti on bench. While Mukesh seems a front-runner to get a game heads on, Delhi can also think of playing Chetan, Ishant, or Kamlesh in place of him.

Thanks for reading! What’s your playing 11 for Delhi Capitals (DC) for IPL 2023? Please email your thoughts to business@cricalytics.com

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