Ahead of the big IPL 2020 Qualifier 1 between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals on Thursday (November 5), former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra said the Capitals have a better bowling attack than the defending champions but there two major issues with them.
He was highly impressed with DC’s bowling attack comprising likes of Anrich Nortje and Purple Cap holder Kagiso Rabada along with some big names both the highest and domestic level.
However, Chopra said DC’s batting line-up also looks strong and experienced with Sikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, and Ajinya Rahane at their ranks but was worried about the poor run of Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant that can pose a challenge for Delhi against MI on Thursday.
Chopra said on his YouTube video: “If we do a man-to-man marking, the Delhi Capitals bowling unit looks better to me than the Mumbai Indians. Because they have Rabada’s wicket-taking ability, Nortje is super-fast and a wicket-taker and the two spinners are amazing. Earlier it was even better when they had Mishra available as an option.”
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He further explained, “The other is their Indian batting core. It has failed in between. I totally get it if you feel how it is a strength. But it is a strength when you can have Prithvi Shaw with Shikhar Dhawan, then Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant. No team has 5 Indian top-order batsmen, this team doesn’t need an overseas player in the top 5.
So, if you see that way, the Indian batting core is outstanding. Also, a lot of them have experience. Shikhar Dhawan is an experienced player, Shreyas Iyer is now a sure-shot experienced player and the captain as well, Rishabh Pant has also played for quite a few years, Prithvi Shaw is also not a greenhorn and Ajinkya Rahane has been playing for a long time. So, they have the experience, pedigree, and class.”
While Shaw scored 228 runs in 12 games, Pant managed just 282 runs in 11 games so far and Chopra pointed out, “The weakness is that some of the players have had a slight dip in form in the last little while. I am a little worried about Prithvi Shaw that he goes on playing his shots and plays a high-risk game, doesn’t bother about getting out but he is getting out more often.”
He signed off by saying, “Rishabh Pant hasn’t really looked himself. So, these are the two biggest concerns. Shreyas Iyer has scored more than 400 runs. But the impact knocks from him have been far and few between. So, I am expecting more as the standards are high for him.”
(With Hindustan Times Inputs)
