IPL 2019: Delhi Capitals aim to transform from wooden spoon to golden cup

The 2019 Indian Premier League already has a new factor which was missing in the Delhi franchise for the last 11 years. Bye Bye Delhi Daredevils and hello Delhi Capitals. The franchise, who have had an underwhelming performance in eight out of 11 IPL seasons which includes four last place finishes, will be hoping that they can turn the tide around in this season. They have a good mixture of youth and experience, they have a decent back-room staff. They have the capability to go the entire distance in the Indian Premier League, provided they hold their nerve and get the team composition correct. For a long time, Delhi Capitals will have some key players who belong to Delhi with Shikhar Dhawan, Ishant Sharma, Amit Mishra and Rishabh Pant.

Dhawan’s entry will boost the top order while the presence of Pant, Prithvi Shaw and international stalwarts like Colin Munroand Colin Ingram, brought for Rs 6.4 crore in the IPL auction in the batting is a welcome sign. However, it is the bowling that holds plenty of promise. There are brilliant bowlers like Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, Chris Morris and the Nepal legspinner Sandeep Lamichhane. With a good mixture of pacers, spinners (both offspin and legspin) covered, Delhi Capitals have the potential to give the other teams a run for their money.

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Delhi Capitals Full Squad

Kagiso Rabada, Chris Morris, Bandaru Ayyappa, Sandeep Lamichhane, Colin Munro, Ishant Sharma, Colin Ingram, Trent Boult, Shikhar Dhawan, Manjot Kalra, Nathu Singh, Sherfane Rutherford, Prithvi Shaw, Rahul Tewatia, Ankush Bains, Avesh Khan, Axar Patel, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Harshal Patel, Keemo Paul, Hanuma Vihari, Amit Mishra, Jalaj Saxena

Delhi Capitals Support Staff

Head coach: Ricky Ponting

Assistant coach: Mohammad Kaif

Talent Scout: Pravin Amre

Fast Bowling Coach: James Hopes

Physio: Sumeshen Moodley

Assistant Physio: Dhananjay Kaushik

Advisor: Sourav Ganguly

Indian Players to watch out for

Prithvi Shaw: With the World Cup approaching, the tournament gives the likes of the Mumbai batsman the ideal platform to stake a place in the World Cup squad, which is already more-or-less settled. Shaw, who made a century on Test debut, is returning from injury and will be determined to put up a consistent show in this tournament. A fine performance for Delhi Capitals could make him one of the surprise picks in the squad that will head for England.

Shikhar Dhawan: The Delhi batsman is back home! Dhawan, who was one of the leading run-getters for Sunrisers Hyderabad, is back to boost the team at the top. Dhawan was in fine form in Twenty20 Internationals in 2018 and the franchise will be expecting him to come good in IPL 2019.

International stars to look out for

Colin Ingram: The former South Africa player, who is currently playing as a Kolpak all over the world, had a great time in the Pakistan Super League and in the Big Bash League for Adelaide Strikers, so much so that he was appointed as the captain of the side. Ingram will be determined to continue his fine run on the biggest T20 tournament of all.

Keemo Paul: The Guyana bowler has got pace and he has the typical West Indies flair and swagger in his bowling. He took a five-wicket haul and impressed on placid tracks in Bangladesh. He can be a valuable asset for Delhi Capitals in this IPL.

Past record

2008: Semi-final

2009: Semi-final

2010: 5^th

2011: Last place

2012: 2^nd qualifier

2013: Last place

2014: Last place

2015: 7^th

2016: 6^th

2017: 6^th

2018: Last place

HIGHLIGHTS

• Delhi Daredevils have finished last four times in the IPL.
• Shikhar Dhawan and Ishant Sharma are back for Delhi Capitals.
• Delhi Capitals' head coach is Ricky Ponting.