IPL 2020: Explosive Delhi Capitals look to cover bases in upcoming auctions

A young and dynamic Delhi Capitals managed to reach the playoffs in IPL 2019 but failed to go the distance. They will be eyeing their maiden silverware in the coming year with a team that is chock full of talent. The franchise has added some calmness to the frenzy with the incoming trades of R Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane. They may well turn out to be the only team to have a top-five full of international batsmen without any of them being overseas cricketers. Yet, there are a few areas which Delhi Capitals need to cover in the auction.

All-rounder who can accelerate

Delhi Capitals released South African all-rounder Chris Morris. He was not only a capable fast bowler but also added a few quick runs in the death overs. His absence now highlights the lack of a quality all-rounder in the side. Delhi do have Harshal Patel and Keemo Paul but they do not convey the same degree of confidence. DC should think about signing back Morris or replace him with the likes of Colin de Grandhomme or Sam Curran.

Strengthen pace bowling attack

Delhi Capitals have a rich spin unit. The addition of R Ashwin makes them versatile. They already have two wristy leg-spinners in Sandeep Lamichchane and Amit Mishra. Axar Patel’s left-arm spin has been useful for the team. Same cannot be said about their pace bowling stocks. Kagiso Rabada and Ishant Sharma are injury-prone and their only other option is Avesh Khan. Another pace bowler like Mustafizur Rehman or Andrew Tye can bolster the pace side of Delhi Capitals.

Overseas batsmen

Shreyas Iyer’s team released Colin Munro and Colin Ingram prior to the auctions. Ajinkya Rahane is likely to fit in the anchor role of Colin Ingram. With Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Rahane, Iyer and Rishabh Pant, DC can flaunt an all-Indian top-order. However, they do not have a backup batsman in their squad. In the auction, Delhi Capitals may well fill up this vacancy with an overseas batsman which will add a new flavour to their batting lineup. England’s Eoin Morgan or Australia’s Aaron Finch, Chris Lynn or Glenn Maxwell fit the bill.