IPL 2024 DC prediction, top picks: All you need to know about Delhi Capitals auction strategy
IPL 2024: After finishing ninth in IPL 2023, Delhi Capitals would be looking for a massive revamp in the mini-auctions for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.
IPL 2024 Auction, DC top picks: Delhi Capitals look to revamp batting with massive purse (Courtesy of BCCI)
Delhi Capitals are preparing for a massive revamp after an underperforming season in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. As the IPL 2024 auction approaches, the franchise plans to restructure its squad to improve performance and competitiveness in the upcoming season.
Rishabh Pant, the Delhi Capitals' (DC) wicketkeeper-batter, is set to return and captain the team in the upcoming 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). Pant undertook strenuous workouts under the cautious supervision of the coaching team, which included Ricky Ponting, Sourav Ganguly, and Pravin Amre, during the Delhi Capitals' recent training camp in Kolkata leading up to the next edition of the event.
The Delhi Capitals' explosive top order is at the heart of their abilities, ready for amassing runs on any given day. The exciting David Warner, the ever-aggressive Prithvi Shaw, and the versatile Mitchell Marsh are also on the list. The highly anticipated return of Rishabh Pant, whose skills as a batsman and as a captain are well-documented, adds to this lethal mix.
DC's strategy will not be to go all guns blazing behind a single player, but rather to cherry-pick individuals who can fill in the holes, because, as has been remarked, winning the IPL is about constructing a squad where all the pieces fit perfectly. The Capitals' journey in the IPL has been a roller-coaster ride, and as they prepare for the new season, it's evident they're still in it, seeking the elusive trophy that has slipped through their fingers thus far.
CURRENT SQUAD
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 Marshm, Ishant Sharma, Yash Dhull, Mukesh Kumar
RELEASED PLAYERS
Rille Roussow, Chetan Sakariya, Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Phil Salt, Mustafizur Rahman, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ripal Patel, Sarfaraz Khan, Priyam Garg.
REMAINING SLOTS AND PURSE
Slots remaining: 9 (4 overseas)
Purse: Rs 28.95 crore
TOP TARGETS
DC released 11 players from last year's squad, including West Indies power-hitter Rovman Powell and South Africa batter Rilee Rossouw. Out of those eleven players, three are bowlers and eight are batters, indicating where their attention will be concentrated during the mini-auction. DC have a total of nine places to fill, four of which are overseas slots and have to spend Rs 28.95 crore on at least two players to meet the IPL squad criteria.
DARYL MITCHELL
Daryl Mitchell was in some form in the World Cup 2023 as the New Zealand star amassed 552 runs in just nine innings at an average of 69.00 and a formidable strike rate of 111.07. The right-handed player's all-round ability might give depth to the Capitals' middle order while also providing a reliable bowling option. Mitchell, known for his explosive batting against top teams, could also be the answer to DC's quest for a power hitter.
KS BHARAT
KS Bharat, whose ability behind the stumps and potential with the bat make him an appealing choice for the Capitals, might fill the backup wicketkeeper-batter role. Bharat's short league experience has revealed hints of his potential to anchor innings in the T20 format. The current India 'A' captain's strongest quality is his ability to bat at any position and shift gears at will. Bharat has extensive domestic cricket expertise and has always served as a saviour for Andhra Pradesh. He isn't recognised for his strike rate in T20s, but he's a solid choice on spin-friendly tracks.
PAT CUMMINS
Signing Australia's World Cup-winning captain Pat Cummins would strengthen Delhi's lineup. The Australian pace-bowling all-rounder, who recently guided his country to their sixth ODI World Cup victory, is known for his pace and ability to pick critical wickets and produce timely cameos with the bat. He might provide the Capitals with the necessary experience, firepower and leadership. If DC fail to sign Cummins, they could go for someone like young Afghan Azmatullah Omarzai and experienced Englishman Chris Woakes.
SHAHRUKH KHAN
Shahrukh Khan is a young sensation known for his powerful batting style and off-spin bowling. Khan made his IPL debut in 2021 for the Punjab franchise and has since established himself as a talented all-rounder. Punjab Kings released Shahrukh after he scored 156 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 166. Shahrukh is a monstrous striker of the cricket ball who is at ease against both pace and spin. He has no qualms about going big from the first ball and fits in wonderfully with DC's Gung-Ho batting approach.
Potential Targets: Daryl Mitchell, KS Bharat, Harvik Desai, Harry Brook, Azmatullah Omarzai, Saurav Chauhan, Kartik Tyagi, Shivam Mavi, Pat Cummins, Shahrukh Khan
With the auction scheduled on December 19, all eyes will be on the DC owners and their strategy to bolster their squad ahead of the IPL 2024 season.
