IPL franchise Delhi Capitals fell in another trouble after their star pacer Lungi Ngidi had to be ruled out but fortunately enough DC signs Jake Fraser-McGurk after Lungi Ngidi is out due to injury.
Several big-name players went unsold in the recent IPL auction, including Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, who could have filled a massive void in the Delhi Capitals contingent. Considering DC needed a replacement for the injured Lungi Ngidi, Hazlewood’s availability might have been the ideal solution for their bowling worries.
Hazlewood’s ability to maintain a disciplined line and length under pressure is well-documented, and he brings abundant experience to the table to boot, having represented Australia across different formats. Although his availability was shrouded in doubt due to his upcoming fatherhood, Hazlewood could have been the dependable choice for DC in the pace department.
DC’s top-two pacers are Anrich Nortje and Jhye Richardson, and the presence of Hazlewood alongside Ngidi, who was sure to return at some latter stage of the season, could have worked wonders for the Delhi-based franchise. Hazlewood’s ability to keep things tight and take critical wickets when under the pump would hold them in good stead this IPL season.
Nonetheless, DC chose the 19-year-old Australian batsman Jake Fraser-McGurk over Hazlewood, detracting many of their genuine fans. While the thrilling talent of Fraser-McGurk cannot be denied, Hazlewood’s experience and expertise in the T20 format would have helped DC’s team.
🚨 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 🚨
Australia's young sensation 𝗝𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗿-𝗠𝗰𝗚𝘂𝗿𝗸 is all set to don the DC colours 🔵🔴 for #IPL2024 🫶🏼
He replaces 𝗟𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗶 𝗡𝗴𝗶𝗱𝗶 who has been ruled out due to an injury 🔻
#YehHaiNayiDilli #JakeFraserMcGurk pic.twitter.com/FqxweYmNt9— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 15, 2024
DC would feel Hazlewood’s abeyance this season. If their bowling fails to execute in all their games, the fans will opine over the Hazlewood inclusion in the squad. Now, in hindsight, Hazlewood could have suited well as Ngidi’s replacement. Hazlewood could have set DC as the title contender with a balanced squad, but the management chose Fraser-McGurk over him.
