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Why DC Are The Outsiders In IPL 2019 Despite The Madness?

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Delhi Capitals have had a mixed approach in the ongoing 12th edition of the Indian Premier League. The side is filled with a solid bunch of Indian players and there is experience in the ranks provided by foreigners. Despite the intent, there is a tendency to make life difficult for themselves. DC need to be careful of the same. The ultra aggressive mentality needs to be curbed.
DC can be destructive for the good and also for the worst. The unpredictability and surprises in store makes them a fun side to watch though. They have the quality to make matches interesting irrespective of the result.
When you look at DC’s exploits against Kolkata Knight Riders, they had the match under control. Yet, the game was forced to go to the Super Over. Most teams would have sailed through, but DC somehow panicked to allow KKR make a comeback. Then in the Super Over, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada was terrific to win the match for the side.
The next encounter against Kings XI Punjab had DC in complete control of the proceedings. Yet, somehow, they managed to lose seven wickets for eight runs to surrender the tie. It was a match DC needed to win, but they fell prey to madness once again.
Barring the match against Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Shreyas Iyer-led side has played a watchable brand of cricket. There is no short of entertainment associated with this unit. Will we see these kind of madness outings in time to come? Perhaps, yes. But given the experienced management to deal with, one will hope the side learns from mistakes and makes progression.
They are capable of looking foolish, but the side also has the character to go and surprise one and all. DC will be more effective on pitches that assist batting more often.
Delhi can be termed as the dark horses this season. Here we analyse the same.

DC need to bat as an unit

Prithvi Shaw will have to be more patient in his approach. (Image: Sportzwiki.com)

Firstly, let’s look at the positives. Delhi actually have what to takes to fire them in the batting department. Shikhar Dhawan is a settled force in opening. He has just one fifty to his name in IPL 12, but expect the runs to follow. Dhawan’s responsibility to bat for longer periods and play his natural game allows him the cushion.
Prithvi Shaw looked electric after a magnificent 99 against KKR. His role allows him to go big in being more aggressive. Shaw’s productivity lies in the first six overs which allows him to attack bowlers. DC will be looking to get the most out of him. Rishabh Pant has entertained fans with his cameos and he is a strong bet in the middle order.
The work for Pant is that he has to turn into being a potential match-winner rather than just come in and go all guns blazing. He has to take the responsibility to hang in there and make sure he stays till the end. This will allow DC to be saved from potential collapses in the middle.
Colin Ingram and Shreyas Iyer add steel. Ingram in particular is a solid buy and his experience will be handy when the business end of the season arrives. Iyer has turned out to be a strong leader and he has learnt the tricks of captaincy rapidly since last season. So the batting will revolve around these five players and together they can work through to make it work.

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Delhi will have to put in the work

Prithvi Shaw and Ricky Ponting during a practice session.

Delhi will have to stop the madness that can be their potential downfall. Two matches in a row, the side lacked the composure, despite being on the driver’s seat. So the ability to finish off games is a real test of character. Expect them to earn quickly and seal these pivotal moments.
Shaw in particular needs to be careful with his selection of shots. He has the tendency to get flattered easily. But then he is just 20 years of age and these moments can be expected. Likewise, the same goes for Pant. He too needs to balance his innings well. DC will need them to pick up the trades and move on.
DC’s batting against SRH was one that was laboured on a slow track. They will have to find a way in order to deal in such conditions. SRH have one of the best bowling attack in the IPL and that paid dividends at the Kotla. DC must find a collective effort to sort out their batting. It could undo the work they can be capable of. Consistency is the key here for the side.
But despite all the issues at the moment, we expect the side to pick up momentum as the season progresses. It’s not a myth. DC might turn out to be the outsiders and come strong.

DC’s bowling has a strong character

Kagiso Rabada in action against KKR (image: Quint)

Rabada has lit up IPL 2019 with his excellent approach at the death. That Super Over against KKR was a real deal. He has looked like someone to have set the campaign for DC. The Proteas pacer is known for his nagging pace and accuracy. He can come and deliver at crunch moments. This is something DC needed from a bowler and they have found that person.
When you look at Delhi’s season in 2018, Trent Boult was the magician for them. He picked up 18 wickets and featured in every match. This term, Boult has become the second choice foreign pacer. This has its own merit. When Rabada needs a rest, Boult can always come in and provide quality. He can swing the ball and the pace generated makes him potent. Also, Boult is a left-hander.
Ishant Sharma started off the season well. And at the moment it is Harshal Patel, who is being rotated with Ishant. So what that does is, it gives you variety. The presence of the experienced Amit Mishra spells vital for DC. He has 149 IPL wickets and has found his rhythm. Sandeep Lamichhane is the crux of this side. The Nepal international is no wonder a hit across global T20 leagues.
With the Feroz Shah Kotla pitches being on the slower side, expect the spinners to gain more authority as the season progresses. Perhaps, the bowling could inspire the inconsistent batting line-up. They had very little to do against SRH, yet the bowlers fought valiantly post Bairstow’s advancements. Against CSK as well, the side took the match to the last over. Now it’s time to build on this.

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