The major concern for the Delhi Capitals coming into the auction was that they had an inconsistent Indian middle order, partially due to the non-availability of Rishabh Pant last season.
With the skipper back, the batting looks a lot stronger, and the Capitals enhanced it further with the purchase of Harry Brook for a steal. DC went all the way for the young keeper-batter Kumar Kushagra and brought international keepers like Shai Hope and Tristan Stubbs as backups to Pant.
Let’s glance at the possible playing XI for DC in IPL 2024.
Delhi Capitals Full Squad for IPL 2024
DC squad: Rishabh Pant (c), Prithvi Shaw, Harry Brook, Yash Dhull, Swastik Chikara, David Warner, Tristan Stubbs, Abhishek Porel, Kumar Kushagra, Ricky Bhui, Shai Hope, Pravin Dubey, Axar Patel, Mitchell Marsh, Lalit Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Sumit Kumar, Anrich Nortje, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Kuldeep Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Lungi Ngidi, Jhye Richardson, Rasikh Salem
DC Probable Playing XI for IPL 2024
Openers: Prithvi Shaw, David Warner
David Warner is arguably the most prolific overseas batter in the history of the IPL, and he will be back at the top of the order in DC alongside the inconsistent Prithvi Shaw, who has shown plenty of promise in recent years. The left-right combination can take the attack to the opposition on any given day, and DC will hope it happens more often in the coming season.
Also Read | David Warner IPL runs – Year by Year
Middle-order: Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, Harry Brook, Lalit Yadav/Kumar Kushagra
Mitchell Marsh has had a great 2023, and his returns with the bat have become more consistent than before. The Capitals will be hugely benefited if Marsh brings his international form with him, and they will also be buoyed by the return of Rishabh Pant from a career-threatening accident. The latter will lead the side, but we don’t know whether he will be fit to keep wickets.
Harry Brook’s inclusion in the middle order makes DC a lot stronger, and given the fact that the right-hander is playing at No. 5 for England with success, it augurs well for the team. With the possibility of Pant not keeping, it makes sense to have the uncapped dashing keeper batter, Kumar Kushagra, in the playing XI or as an impact player.
All-rounder: Axar Patel
Axar Patel has improved his batting to a large extent, and DC will want the left-hander to win matches on his own, making a strong impact.
Bowlers: Anrich Nortje, Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Mukesh Kumar
DC has the luxury of going with 3 pacers and 2 frontline spinners in the playing XI. Anrich Nortje, the South African speedster, may return from injury and lead the bowling attack with Indian experienced bowlers Kuldeep Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, and Mukesh Kumar.
Twelfth Man/Impact Player: Lalit Yadav/Kumar Kushagra
If Kumar Kushagra is not part of the playing XI, he can come in as an impact player, or the role will be donned by Lalit Yadav.
DC’s Probable Playing XI: Prithvi Shaw, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (c), Harry Brook, Axar Patel, Lalit Yadav/Kumar Kushagra, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Anrich Nortje, Khaleel Ahmed
