Squad analysis of DC post IPL 2019 Auction
Delhi Capitals went for major utility players to address key areas in the recently concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 Auction held in Jaipur. The headline buys were South African veteran T20 player Colin Ingram and Indian all-rounder Axar Patel. Earlier, Delhi kept their main core players in the trade window and drafted in Shikhar Dhawan. Here is our take.
Jayant Yadav traded by DC
Meanwhile, there has been an update regarding the DC squad. Off-spinner Jayant Yadav has joined three-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians. He was traded by DC. Jayant played 10 matches for the franchise after joining them in 2015.
Players bought in the auction
A look at players bought in the auction. Hanuma Vihari: Rs. 2 crore, Axar Patel: Rs. 5 crore, Ishant Sharma: Rs. 1.10 crore, Ankush Bains: Rs. 20 lakh, Nathu Singh: Rs. 20 lakh, Colin Ingram: Rs. 6.40 crore, Sherfane Rutherford: Rs. 2 crore, Keemo Paul: Rs. 50 lakh, Jalaj Saxena: Rs. 20 lakh, Bandaru Ayyappa: Rs. 20 lakh.
Strengths of DC going into IPL 2019
DC have added more firepower in their batting with some experienced T20 players. Dhawan is a solid addition upfront. Ingram will be decisive in the middle order and can be counted upon as a finisher. Also, the franchise has brought in key all-rounders. West Indian duo of Keemo Paul and Sherfane Rutherford can be decisive options from the bench. Axar is a versatile player.
Weaknesses of DC going into IPL 2019
DC look more stronger as compared to previous seasons. But the pace bowling still looks a worry. They have firepower in Trent Boult and Kagiso Rabada, but it's the Indian bowlers that lack the power. Ishant Sharma was bought in the auction, but he hasn't played limited-overs cricket and the IPL since quite some time. The rest of the pace attack is inexperienced.
Opportunities await for these players
Ishant has a big task in leading the attack and he will be tested immensely. Nepal's ace spinner Sandeep Lamichhane will be getting a consistent run of games and he could set the stage on fire. Same goes for Axar, who could be one of the three spinners in the playing XI. It's a big opportunity for him to come good.
What to expect from this DC side?
The team will revolve around the Indian batting stars. The likes of Prithvi Shaw, Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant are class names. DC would be wanting these four cricketers to score immensely. The all-round department could see Chris Morris and Axar step up. The likes of Paul, Rutrherford and Harshal Patel will be needed to provide the stability when called upon.
