Aakash Chopra has raised concerns about Delhi Capitals’ decision to release Rovman Powell and bring in Shai Hope during the IPL 2024 auction. Powell was among the 11 players Capitals released before the auction.
The Delhi franchise bought nine players, including Hope, during the auction to form a complete 25-member squad. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Chopra expressed confusion over Delhi Capitals releasing Powell and opting to acquire Hope instead. At the 45-second mark, he commented:
“They have made some interesting changes. They let Rovman Powell go but they have taken Shai Hope. What are Delhi thinking? I see Shai Hope as an extremely interesting choice.”
Chopra highlighted that Delhi Capitals released players who were regulars in the team while retaining those squad members who had limited playing opportunities. Expanding on this at the 1-minute and 30-second mark, he explained:
“Firstly, they did an interesting job at the time of release. They released everyone who they played or gave chances to.”
”They said they don’t like them. They retained whoever they didn’t give chances to. They asked Yash Dhull, Vicky Ostwal and Pravin Dubey to stay back as they couldn’t play them.”
In addition to Powell, Delhi Capitals let go of Manish Pandey, Rilee Rossouw, Chetan Sakariya, Phil Salt, Mustafizur Rahman, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ripal Patel, Sarfaraz Khan, Aman Khan, and Priyam Garg.
“I am slightly surprised” – Aakash Chopra views on the Delhi Capitals’ purchase of Harry Brook
Aakash Chopra expressed astonishment at Delhi Capitals’ choice to acquire Harry Brook, commenting:
“They bought Harry Brook. They have bought him for sure but I am slightly surprised about what could be their thinking behind it. You can forget his performances for England for some time.”
The former cricketer turned commentator pointed out that Harry Brook struggled in the middle-order batting for the SunRisers Hyderabad during IPL 2023. He remarked:
“When he played for (SunRisers) Hyderabad, he scored one century while opening. Whenever he batted down the order, he didn’t do anything. Later he didn’t do anything at the top as well. They have kept Harry Brook assuming he will do a great job for them down the order.”
Chopra raised doubts about Delhi Capitals releasing Phil Salt, who performed effectively as an opening batsman, and opting for Brook in the middle order.
He suggested that Rovman Powell, Shahrukh Khan, Shubham Dubey, and Sherfane Rutherford could have been better choices for the middle-order batting positions.
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