IPL 2022: 3 reasons why Delhi Capitals would be pleased with the auction

After the two-day IPL super auction on February 12-13, the Delhi Capitals have assembled a roster of 24 players. Prior to the bidding battle, they had already hired Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, Anrich Nortje, and Axar Patel.

The management and owners of the Delhi Capitals would be pleased with how they behaved themselves at the bidding table. This is due to three key factors.

1. Delhi Capitals invested in young Indian talent

In the history of the IPL, the most successful clubs have always featured a strong Indian core. The Mumbai Indians have a reputation for identifying uncommon talent, while the Chennai Super Kings have stuck with a few reliable players throughout the years. Delhi has progressed significantly when its youth began to be given more opportunity on the side.

Before the IPL super auction, Delhi Capitals kept a strong Indian core, possibly the strongest behind Mumbai Indians. Shardul Thakur, Chetan Sakariya, and Khaleel Ahmed were their three most expensive Indian signings at the auction.

Kuldeep Yadav, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, and Sarfaraz Khan were also bought. All three of them have tremendous potential in their respective skill areas, but have struggled in recent years owing to fitness or other factors.

2. Delhi Capitals acquire Australian sensation Mitchell Marsh

Mitchell Marsh, an Australian all-rounder, set the tone for this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He was given the opportunity to bat third by the squad. Wasn’t it a brilliant move?

Marsh scored 185 runs in six matches, averaging 62 and striking out at a rate of 147. In the final, he was named Player of the Match for his magnificent 77* off 50 balls against New Zealand.

In the Big Bash League (BBL), he had a strong season, scoring 347 runs in 8 innings with an average of 58 and a strike rate of 143. The Scorchers won their fourth BBL title, becoming the tournament’s most successful team.

Marsh might be the ideal number three alternative for Iyer. Depending on the match scenario, he may either anchor the innings or play a more aggressive role. On paper, a top five of Warner, Shaw, Marsh, Pant, and Sarfaraz will be one of the finest batting teams in the IPL.

3. Delhi Capitals find suitable replacement for Shikhar Dhawan

David Warner debuted in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2009 with the Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). He has 1435 runs at an average of 29 and a strike rate of 133 in 55 games for Delhi.

Prior to the 2014 mega auction, he was finally freed. For the following seven years, he was the face of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), guiding them to an IPL triumph in 2011.

After being replaced as SRH captain and dropped twice in the midst of the season, many believed Warner was reaching the end of his hitting heyday.

However, he disproved his critics by putting up an outstanding performance at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He was named the tournament’s Player of the Year.

Shaw and Warner’s opening duo has the potential to be the most lethal in the league. Shaw’s natural game will be aided by having an all-time IPL great on the other end in Warner.