IPL 2024 : SWOT Analysis of Delhi Capitals (DC) squad

The Delhi Capitals camp will be full of joy ahead of the forthcoming Indian Premier League as the National Cricket Academy (NCA) gave clearance to star batter Rishabh Pant to feature in the tournament for Delhi Capitals who are eyeing their maiden title after two back-to-back unforgettable seasons.

Delhi Capitals (DC) is among five IPL teams that has been part of the T20 league in every season since 2008 but is yet to lift the trophy. In fact, DC have only played one IPL final across 16 seasons. DC have been an underperforming team and they continue their search for their maiden IPL title.

Delhi Capitals (DC) spent INR 19.05 crore in the 2024 IPL auction and signed up nine players. Their notable buys were England batter Harry Brook and Australia pacer Jhye Richardson. The young English stalwart went to the Capitals for INR 4 crore while the Aussie speedster was fetched for INR 5 crore. However, Brook has withdrawn from the league due to personal reasons. Along with these international players, the franchise has shown faith in some domestic players.

Delhi Capitals is a highly sought-after team in the latest season for various reasons. Their captain and India wicket-keeper, Rishabh Pant is returning after a 14-month injury hiatus. The return of their regular captain marks a significant boost for the team. 

Let’s delve into the strengths and weaknesses of the squad as they prepare to take on the IPL challenge once again.

Delhi Capitals (DC) Strengths

When it comes to strengths, Delhi Capitals boast power hitters in the batting line-up who can change the course of a game single-handedly. Batting has to be one of the biggest positives for the Delhi team this year. David Warner, who is in the last leg of his career, has no pressure of delivering, while Prithvi Shaw is back in full swing, after his injury layoff. The duo will be followed by Australian power-hitter Mitchell Marsh, who is capable of taking quality bowling attacks to the cleaners.

Rishabh Pant will make his return to bolster the Capitals. It’s a big boost to DC and it will strengthen their middle order batting. The southpaw is a brilliant hitter of the ball and the DC team management might give him the role of a match-finisher in the side. There are several instances to recount when Pant took the Capitals home with his hard-hitting capability. The morale in the DC camp will also be high with their regular captain.

Delhi Capitals have a formidable pace attack that can make it hard for any team to get away from.  Jhye Richardson and Anrich Nortje are brilliant powerplay bowlers and have deceptive slower balls. DC has bought Jhye Richardson in the IPL 2024 auction, which has added more depth and assistance to the pace battery of Delhi Capitals.

Delhi Capitals (DC) Weaknesses

Delhi Capitals have struggled to have an experienced match finisher. They have only Rishabh Pant as a reliable finisher in their team. In the skipper’s absence last year, Axar Patel donned the role, producing some quickfire knocks but didn’t succeed in taking the team home. They had a chance to rope in one or two experienced finishers, but the franchise didn’t prefer to do so in the bidding war. They have all-rounder Lalit Yadav in the team but he can’t be considered a reliable finisher.

Delhi Capitals have limited resources regarding spin bowling options as they don’t have experienced spinners except for Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. Hence, the Rishabh Pant-led side might struggle if any of them gets injured. Besides this, the lack of a well-established Indian wicket-keeper is DC’s other weakness. If Pant takes rest for a game or two, who will get a chance in the playing XI as wicketkeeper-batter is a big concern for DC.

Delhi Capitals (DC) Opportunities

The IPL 2024 is a great opportunity for Mukesh Kumar and Khaleel Ahmed to perform well and stake a claim in the T20 World Cup squad. Khaleel has been away from Team India for a long time. With India needing a left-arm pacer, Khaleel can earn his spot back by doing well in the IPL 2024.

Also Prithvi Shaw, who had a miserable last season, has too much to prove after a disappointing performance with the bat. He has a great opportunity to prove his mettle and secure his place in the squad ahead of the mega auction after this season.

Shai Hope, who is playing his first season, would be keen to make an impact in this year’s IPL. Other players including Stubbs and Pant would be looking to score runs and help Delhi Capitals comeback with venom. 

 Delhi Capitals (DC) Threats

The biggest threat for Delhi Capital is their captain, Rishabh Pant’s fitness and form. The DC team management is still unsure about Pant’s participation and to what extent he can serve the franchise in this year’s IPL. The lack of a proper backup for Pant is a concern for the DC camp and there is no proper finisher in DC’s squad apart from Rishabh.

While the opting out of Harry Brook has raised the dilemma of the middle order for Delhi Capitals. Their middle order is not that strong.

Delhi Capitals (DC) full squad for IPL 2024

Rishabh Pant (Captain), Pravin Dubey, David Warner, Vicky Ostwal, Prithvi Shaw, Anrich Nortje, Abishek Porel, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Shai Hope, Swastik Chhikara, Lalit Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Mitchell Marsh, Ishant Sharma, Yash Dhull, Mukesh Kumar, Tristan Stubbs, Ricky Bhui, Kumar Kushagra, Rasikh Dar, Jhye Richardson, Sumit Kumar

The 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) will commence on the 22nd of March, 2024. Delhi Capitals will lock horns with Punjab Kings in their first fixture on March 23 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium in Punjab.

Cover Credit - IPL Official