Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar feels that the Delhi Capitals (DC) will continue to struggle as long as their skipper Rishabh Pant does not contribute consistently with the bat. The left-hander has not been able to make an impact with the bat for the team so far.
Rishabh Pant averages 31.22 in eleven matches, scoring 281 runs, with 44 being his best score in the tournament. The Delhi Capitals have lost five matches this season while chasing a score. There skipper’s inconsistent run in the middle-order has hampered the team’s campaign.
With uncertainty over Prithvi Shaw’s availability, there will be more pressure on Rishabh Pant to perform, feels Sanjay Manjrekar. While previewing the Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals match for the Espncricinfo, He said,
“When Prithvi Shaw was there, Delhi had another dangerous batter. If David Warner is scoring at 140, Shaw was striking at 150. Rishabh Pant will have to score runs. He will have to show some consistency, otherwise, Delhi’s batting looks really weak. Unless he contributes, DC will continue to struggle in the batting department.”
The former cricketer expressed that he feels that the Delhi Capitals will back Mitchell Marsh to come good. The Australian all-rounder averages just 19.80 in five matches so far in the tournament. He has also not been effective with the ball, taking just two wickets in five games, and conceding runs at an economy rate of 10.
“Mitchell Marsh doesn’t look confident yet in the IPL. Some overseas players need some time to settle down and feel comfortable. I feel Delhi will still back him to come good,” said Sanjay Manjrekar.
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Delhi Capitals will push and prod their way into the top four: Sanjay Manjrekar
Delhi Capitals are fifth on the points table with ten points from eleven matches so far in the tournament. They have lost three of their last five matches, which has impacted their chances of qualifying for the playoffs. Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar feels the franchise has quality players and will make it to the knockouts of IPL 2022. He said,
“Delhi have big players and have quality in both pace and spin. A couple of players are not in form yet. If Prithvi Shaw comes back, it will help. I think they will push and prod their way into the top four.”
Sanjay Manjrekar also expressed his opinion on Kuldeep Yadav, who is the leading wicket-taker for the Delhi Capitals. However, the spinner has also been expensive on a few occasions. He has 18 wickets in eleven matches at an average of 19.55 and an economy rate of 8.87.
“On his day, he gets 3-4 wickets with good deliveries but on other days the same type of deliveries go for boundaries. He is a bit too slow in the air and hence he is always a gamble for the team. (Yuzvendra) Chahal also claims wickets but his graph in economy is not so inconsistent. If Kuldeep works on his fitness and flight and overcomes his natural weakness, he will be more effective with regards to economy,” said Sanjay Manjrekar.
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