Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar feels that Delhi Capitals have a very good chance of winning their maiden Indian Premier League title due to their squad selection for the 13th edition of the cash-rich tournament.
Delhi Daredevils, who were rebranded as Delhi Capitals last season, are the only team in the Indian Premier League to not have made it to the final. Delhi has made it to the semis/playoffs only four times in 12 seasons and has finished last in the group four times.
“Delhi Capitals have a very good chance of winning IPL this time. They have selected some very good T20 players. If their batting clicks in IPL 2020 then they can surely win this time. Their selection of overseas players is good,” Sunil Gavaskar told in an exclusive interview to Sports Tak.
“The kind of batting ability Delhi Capitals have this season is amazing. Even if only two players perform, DC can score big throughout the tournament. Prithvi Shaw can open for them and give DC a good start. DC skipper Shreyas Iyer can come at No.3 and play his shots. Rishabh Pant can finish matches for Delhi Capitals at No.4 or No.5 with his big-hitting skills,” Gavaskar added.
Under the guidance of Ricky Ponting and leadership of young Shreyas Iyer, Delhi Capitals have added firepower to their already strong batting unit by roping in the likes of Ajinkya Rajhane, Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, and Alex Carey. They have a strong spin unit in the likes of R Ashwin, Sandeep Lamicchane, Amit Mishra, and Axar Patel.
“I will pick Shimron Hetmyer in Delhi’s playing XI. He would like to prove himself after a flop IPL 2019 for RCB. I don’t think Ajinkya Rahane will be able to make in the playing XI of Delhi Capitals. Marcus Stoinis can come at No.6, following him would be the West Indian all-rounder Keemo Paul.
DC’s spin department, comprising R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Sandeep Lamichhane, and Amit Mishra is at par with CSK’s; any three of those four could play every single game.
“Delhi has got a lot of options in spin bowling. R Ashwin is experienced and he was leading KXIP last year. Shreyas Iyer will get a lot of help from Ashwin in taking decisions,” Gavaskar signed off. Delhi Capitals open their campaign against Kings XI Punjab in Dubai on September 20, a day after the opener between holders Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings.
