Shikhar Dhawan of Delhi Capitals is confident that his franchise can lift their maiden IPL trophy in 2020 since they have a perfect combination of batsmen, pacers and spinners. The franchise have traded in batsman Ajinkya Rahane and spinner Ravi Ashwin and boosts of spinners Axar Patel, Sandeep Lamichhane and Amit Mishra.
The pace attack will be spearheaded by Ishant Sharma, Keemo Paul, Kagiso Rabada and Mohit Sharma. Their batting line up consists of Shimron Hetmyer, Alex Carey, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer, Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw. Batsman Daniel Sams and pacer Anrich Nortje have come in for Jason Roy and Chris Woakes who have opted out.
Shikhar Dhawan Optimistic About Delhi Capitals Chances
Shikhar Dhawan, the left-handed Indian opener will ply his trade for Delhi Capitals in upcoming IPL 2020. He said he has full faith in his body to recover from the deadly virus even if he gets infected by Covid-19.
Replying to a query on whether he ever feared of not returning to playing cricket owing to the pandemic, Dhawan said: “I have full faith in my body, was never apprehensive about playing. I know I can still get the disease but I can fight it.”
The left-hander, however, added that all players are strictly adhering to the guidelines set by the board BCCI and the respective franchises.
“But we are definitely following the safety guidelines, we have undergone the Covid test almost 8-9 times,” Dhawan said.
The Delhi Capitals opener applauded the BCCI for hosting a tournament like IPL during the global crisis.
“We have to keep wearing a specific badge, our movements are restricted. It’s a huge thing that the BCCI is able to organize the tournament in this situation.”
Shikhar Dhawan was also asked about the advantages and disadvantages of hosting IPL in these situations.
“The advantage of less travelling is that the body will tire less, the recovery will be good. We have to be mentally very strong.
“When asked about Delhi Capitals’ chances this IPL, Dhawan sounded optimistic. “We have a very balanced side and confident we will take the cup,” Dhawan added.
Delhi Capitals who finished 3rd last year won 10 matches and lost 5.
Shikhar Dhawan Says Inclusion Of Ajinkya Rahane And Ravi Ashwin Will Strengthen Delhi Capitals
Shikhar Dhawan said skipper Shreyas Iyer has been leading the team very well. He also said the inclusion of experienced India players Ajinkya Rahane and Ravichandran Ashwin will strengthen the outfit.
“Shreyas led the team pretty well last year, this time Ajinkya has come in, Ashwin has come in, they are quite experienced players and I am sure they are going to share their insights,” he said.
Due to fewer venues and pitches, Shikhar Dhawan said the wickets might develop wear and tear sooner rather than later, which will assist the spinners.
“We have Ashwin, Sandeep, Amit Mishra and Axar (Patel).” he said.
Delhi Capitals reached the playoffs in 2019 after 2012. They were semifinalists in 2008 and 2009 but are yet to appear in an IPL final.