Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra said that Delhi Capitals (DC) are a strong team and can challenge the five-time champions Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 14.
Delhi capitals are one of three sides with no IPL trophies in their cabinet. In the last two seasons, they have barely missed the opportunity to claim the title.
In IPL 2019 they were knocked out by three-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Qualifier 2 while in IPL 2020 they did all the hard work but were unable to break the shackles as they were beaten by Mumbai Indians(MI) in the final, which was also their fourth defeat against Rohit Sharma-led side in IPL 2020.
IPL 2021: WATCH – Aakash Chopra names his ideal playing XI for Delhi Capitals, ignores Steve Smith
In the video posted on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra highlighted the strengths of DC and said that the Rishabh Pant-led side is capable of posing a tough challenge to the five-time champions.
“This team has a lot of strengths. This is one of my favorite sides, which looks strong on paper. They can give competition to the Mumbai Indians. They have all the bases covered in terms of their balance,” Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
Chopra said that the biggest strength of the Delhi Capitals is their Indian contingent among which few of them are runway match winners and consistent contributors.
“Their biggest strength is their Indian core. They have Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, R Ashwin, Akshar Patel, and then Umesh Yadav and Ishant Sharma. They also have Amit Mishra. This is a fantastic Indian core and quite a few of them are runaway match-winners and consistent contributors,” he said.
Chopra said that Rishabh Pant-led side has a lot of depth in both their overseas and Indian seam bowling departments.
“Number two their bowling. Of course, it is one of the finest in the IPL. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, now they have Chris Woakes also available. Along with that Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, and Avesh Khan - so they have quite a few Indian fast bowlers,” said Aakash Chopra.
Apart from the pace bowling Aakash Chopra said that Delhi Capitals have a phenomenal spin-bowling attack along with Marcus Stoinis's all-round skills which provide balance to the team.
“After that, you have Ashwin, Akshar, and Mishra. This is a phenomenal bowling attack. Marcus Stoinis also does a good job, he does both things. So that's another huge strength is what I see and they are littered with match-winners. So, DC has a lot to smile about,” he concluded.
Delhi Capitals will kick start their IPL 2021 campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on 10th April and will be hoping to go one step further from their performances in IPL 2020 and bag their maiden IPL title.
