Former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg believes that captain Shreyas Iyer’s absence is a big challenge for the Delhi Capitals to deal with in the upcoming 14^th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

The former spinner further pointed out that Iyer’s absence will not only affect the balance of the last season’s runner-up but also miss his leadership in the upcoming IPL 14 starting April 9.

Shreyas has been ruled out of the upcoming IPL 2021 with a shoulder injury and DC has named the young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant as their captain for this season.

Read Also: IPL 2021: WATCH - Hope we cross the line this year, says captain Rishabh Pant in his address to Delhi Capitals fans

DC made it to the IPL 2020 final in the UAE but lost to Mumbai Indians and Hogg said the five-time IPL champions are a big hurdle for the franchise and they need to clear in the IPL 14.

Hogg said on his Youtube channel: “The big hurdle for Delhi Capitals last season was the Mumbai Indians. They played them four times, and they lost four times. It is a hurdle they need to clear this season.”

He signed off by saying, “The other hurdle for DC is that they don't have Shreyas Iyer. They are going to miss his leadership; they are going to miss his stability in the middle-order. But him not being there will also affect the balance of this team.”

The Capitals will kick start their IPL 14 campaign against Chennai Super Kings on April 10 in Mumbai.