Delhi Capitals, previously known as Delhi Daredevils have made a handful of changes ahead of the new season of Indian Premier League (IPL) in a bid to change their fortune. Besides, they have also made changes in the support staffs and added former India skipper Sourav Ganguly as the advisor of the side.
The Delhi-based franchise finished in the last spot with only five wins in the last season of the league. However, they will be desperate to lift their maiden trophy, and the players looked confident to go all the way. They have some excellent Indian batsmen backed by quality bowlers in their ranks. The management will aim to find the right combination and start winning games from the beginning.
Delhi Capitals will begin their campaign against three times champion Mumbai Indians on March 24 at the Wankhede Stadium.
Here is the predicted XI for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2019:
SHIKHAR DHAWAN
Shikhar Dhawan’s form with the bat will be crucial for Delhi Capitals success. When on song, the southpaw can single-handedly destroy any bowling attack. With the World Cup only two months away, Dhawan will look to score some runs and get his confidence back.
PRITHVI SHAW
Many cricket pundits are considering Prithvi Shaw as the next big thing in Indian cricket. He had a good time in the IPL last year and also made his Test debut. Shaw, who recently recovered from an injury will look to hit the strides from the first game.
COLIN INGRAM
Colin Ingram has had a good last year and eventually got picked by Delhi Capitals. The southpaw can play big shots and the franchise will hope some big knocks from the Proteas batsman.
SHREYAS IYER
This will be Shreyas Iyer’s first season as a full-time skipper. He has a great cricketing brain and is an exceptional batsman. Iyer has been in great form in the domestic circuit and will aim to make the most of the tournament to get back into the national side.
RISHABH PANT
Rishabh Pant finished as the second highest run-scorer in the last season. The southpaw will once again look to have a blistering campaign and be in the good books of the selectors ahead of the World Cup selection.
SHERFANE RUTHERFORD
Sherfane Rutherford will make his debut in the IPL 2019. The young batsman grabbed eyeballs with his powerful hitting in the Caribbean Premier League and Global T20 Canada. Rutherford will be keen to show his exploits for the Delhi Capitals against some world-class players.
AXAR PATEL
Axar Patel has changed his base to Delhi from Punjab and the all-rounder is a handy customer for any side he plays. Patel can bowl a tight line and length and can also score quick runs which will be beneficial for Delhi Capitals in the lower-order.
KAGISO RABADA
Since his entry in the international scene, Kagiso Rabada has made a mark for himself. The South Africa pacer can rack up some good pace and is a genuine match-winner. Delhi Capitals missed Rabada in the last season of IPL due to injury and will hope the star pacer to be fully fit.
AMIT MISHRA
The veteran leg-spinner is a typical match-winner in this format of the game. Amit Mishra can be expensive at times but has a happy knack of picking wickets at regular intervals. The Delhi Capitals management will hope Mishra to be in form and do the job for his side.
TRENT BOULT
Trent Boult has been in spectacular form and will lead the attack alongside Kagiso Rabada. The left-arm fast bowler will add a lot of dynamics to the side who will be aiming to bag as many wickets as possible. Besides, Boult is also a more than handy fielder which will help his side.
ISHANT SHARMA
Ishant Sharma will feature for his home franchise for the first time in the last 12 years. The tall and lanky pacer will desperate to give his all for the Delhi Capitals and bring them their maiden glory.