Delhi Capitals has always been an IPL franchise that has promised more than delivered over the years. The team was considered once the best in the tournaments when they had Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Kevin Pietersen, AB De Villiers, David Warner among other international superstars.
They finished eighth in 2018 when Shreyas Iyer was announced as the captain of a young side. In 2019, they bounced back hard and made it to the final four for the first time in seven years since 2012.
With a new season on the cards and a group of young and experienced players playing in the side, Delhi Capitals are aiming to win their maiden IPL title.
So here is a look at the 5 key players to watch out for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020:
Shikhar Dhawan
Delhi is a side which is banking on their Indian batsmen to deliver and Dhawan sits right at the top of it. The Indian left-hander who played for the Sunrisers Hyderabad till 201, is now with Delhi Capitals.
Dhawan’s responsibility at the top is to play a sheet anchor’s role for the side. With Delhi having a young and inexperienced middle-order, Dhawan will be required to bat through the innings while batting first or chasing.
His numbers for the side since his inclusion hasn’t been that bad. The southpaw has scored 1018 runs in 32 matches for the side since joining the side in 2018. Delhi would be hoping that Dhawan continues his good form for the side in the upcoming IPL season in the UAE.
Shreyas Iyer
Iyer is the captain of the side and an important cog in the Delhi Capitals middle-order. The young batsman often bats sensibly and with responsibility and helps the side post good totals o the board. Shreyas Iyer joined the franchise in 2015 and has scored nearly 1700 runs for the side in 62 matches.
He finished with 463 runs in 2019, and the franchise would ideally hope that he scores at least the same amount of runs this year as well.
He led his side well and took them to the playoffs last year. It will be interesting to see if can lead the side as good as he did last year.
Ajinkya Rahane
Rahane was roped in by the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2020 auctions for 4 crores. His addition is an attempt to sort out their opening combination which has been one major point of concern for the side.
Rahane and Dhawan who have opened for India will be given the responsibilities at the top of the order. Both experienced players, Delhi would hope that the duo gives them good starts throughout the tournament.
Ajinkya Rahane has scored over 3800 runs in the IPL in 140 matches. He has played for Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiant in the past and Delhi Capitals will be his third IPL franchise.
Kagiso Rabada
Rabada has been the spearheading of the Delhi pace attack ever since he has joined the side in 2017. He has played just two seasons for the side, still has become the backbone of the Delhi attack.
He helped his side win in the Super Over against Kolkata Knight Riders last year and dismissed Andre Russell with a toe crusher. he picked up 25 wickets in IPL 2019 to finish as the second-highest wicket-taker last year.
Given that the Delhi pace attack does not have much experience, Rabada’s performance will be key for the side. He will have Ishant Sharma and Mohit Sharma for company, but apart from the trio, Delhi’s pace attack does not show much promise.
Amit Mishra
Amit Mishra is second in the list of all-time wicket-takers with 157 wickets to his name. A proven match-winner for Delhi, Mishra has also taken three hat-tricks in the IPL, the most by any bowler in the history of the league. As a result, he will certainly be one of the 5 Delhi Capitals players to watch out for in IPL 2020.
With the pitches in UAE providing considerable turn and bounce, Mishra becomes a lethal weapon for Delhi. Googly is his top delivery and hi being a wrist spinner adds that extra variety to the bowling line-up.
Mishra has never taken more than 15 wickets since 2016 for the franchise. This proves that batsmen from various franchisees are starting to read off both from the hand and off the pitch. How Mishra fares in helpful conditions for Delhi will be an interesting observation.