IPL 2019: Analyzing where Delhi Capitals are going wrong
The newly renamed Delhi Capitals came into the tournament with a lot of hopes and Shreyas Iyer, the captain had many expectations. And even though they have played four matches and won two so far in IPL 2019, life doesn't seem to be easy for DC.
They won their first match quite easily against Mumbai Indians because of their superstar Rishabh Pant, who smashed a 27-ball 78 to take them over the line. But they started facing trouble from match two as they stage fright made frequent appearances.
DC lost against Chennai Super Kings by a mere three runs; CSK had managed to score only 150 but they defended the total to win the game.
Next up was against Kolkata Knight Riders and DC had a target of 186 but they could only reach 185 thanks to a poor performance in the last few overs. But they went on to win the game in a dramatic Super Over where Kagiso Rabada showed his superb bowling skills.
Their last match, against Kings XI Punjab, yet again showcased their lack of a good finisher or an experienced campaigner in the middle, like MS Dhoni or Andre Russell. Punjab had set them an average target of 166 which was quite gettable, but yet again DC choked from a winning position to lose by 14 runs.
Delhi have an impressive top order which consists of four talented Indians in the form of Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant. Their bowling unit isn't far behind with the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Trent Boult, Chirs Morris and Sandeep Lamichhane.
They had tried to get a few good finishers in their ranks during the auction, but they couldn't get anyone other than the 33-year-old Colin Ingram. DC don't have a big hitting batsman or an experienced and composed player who can come in during the latter stage of the game and calmly get to the finish line.
Delhi are currently using Ingram, Hanuma Vihari and Chris Morris as their number 5, 6 and 7 batsmen respectively. None of them has really stepped up to the occasion. They have already tried the West Indian Keemo Paul in the middle too, who has also failed to deliver.
Now the Capitals have a lot to think about with respect to their playing XI, especially the need of a proper middle order finisher. Their reserves consist of the 20-year-old Sherfane Rutherford and the experienced T20 batsman Colin Munro, who has three international centuries for his country New Zealand, and trying out either might not be a bad option.
Ricky Ponting and Co have a lot to address before Delhi's next match, against the in-form Sunrisers Hyderabad.
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