IPL 2019: Analyzing Strengths and Weaknesses of Delhi Capitals

Spin bowling, the highlight as we look at the strengths and weakness(es) of Delhi Capitals (DC) for IPL 2019.

Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) finished the IPL 2018 campaign at the bottom of the table. It wouldn’t have come as a surprise to many as Delhi Capitals were primarily driven by some good individual performance in the form of Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Trent Boult, but failed as a team.

Coming into the IPL 2019 campaign, Delhi Capitals did some handsome recruitments. They added Colin Ingram, Axar Patel, Keemo Paul, Sherfane Rutherford, Hanuma Vihari and Ankush Bains to their squad.

So, let’s try to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the Delhi Capitals Squad for IPL 2019.

STRENGTHS:

Openers:

Delhi Capitals have an opening combination that is full of potential. Shikhar Dhawan, India’s highest run-scorer in T20I last year and Prithvi Shaw, India’s teenage sensation would be expected to open the innings. They also have a good backup in the form of Colin Munro.

Spin Bowling

Delhi Capitals added Axar Patel to the already strong spin bowling line-up of Delhi Capitals. They have the wily fox, Amit Mishra, Nepali Magician, Sandeep Lamichhane, promising, Rahul Tewatia, and Axar Patel in their spin bowling line-up.

Individual Superstars

Delhi Capitals have some brilliant T20 players, who can help win matches single-handedly. These include the likes of swashbuckling Rishabh Pant, Southpaw, Shikhar Dhawan, speedsters, Trent Boult and Kagiso Rabada and Nepalian Magician, Sandeep Lamichhane.

WEAKNESSES:

Middle-order Backups

Don’t get me wrong. With Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer, Delhi Capitals’ have two of the finest middle-order players. The problem comes in with the third option.

Colin Ingram is a good buy for Delhi Capitals. However, he is not yet tested in the IPL. In case he fails, Delhi Capitals do not have a good backup to cover up their slightly fragile middle-order. 

Batting All-rounder

This may not be a major worry, but Delhi Capitals are missing a good batting all-rounder like Shane Watson, Andre Russel, Sunil Narine, etc. Both, Axar Patel and Chris Morris are more of bowling all-rounders. 

Indian Pace Bowler

Delhi Capitals have two of the finest overseas pace bowlers in the form of Kagiso Rabada and Trent Boult. However, it would be difficult to play both of them. Hence, DC will have to play one of Avesh Khan or Ishant Sharma, which is a worry as one is an emerging talent and the other is not a T20 star.

CONCLUSION:

Overall, as a team, Delhi Capitals look really good, and just like Rajasthan Royals in 2008, they might be dark horses chasing their maiden IPL title this year.

Thanks for reading! What is it that you like the most in Delhi Capitals? Please, let’s know in the comments. 

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ALSO READ: IPL 2019: Analyzing Strengths and Weaknesses of Kings XI Punjab

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