IPL 2021: 4 Indians who could replace Axar Patel in the DC starting line-up

The Delhi Capitals suffered yet another blow right before the start of IPL 2021 as star all-rounder Axar Patel tested positive for Covid-19. This comes after DC lost their captain Shreyas Iyer due to injury for the entire season. Although Axar Patel is likely to miss only a few games and is expected to be back once he recovers, the last season’s finalists would surely miss the all-rounder during the initial stages of the tournament.

Through this article, we take a look at the 4 perfect options at DC’s disposal until Patel is available

#1 Lalit Yadav: Awaiting his IPL Debut

Lalit Yadav can be the ideal replacement for Axar Patel due to his all-round abilities

All-rounder Lalit Yadav has been with the Delhi Capitals since 2020 however, he is yet to debut in the tournament. Yadav could be the perfect replacement for Patel as the all-rounder from Delhi is extremely potent with both bat and ball. In 35 domestic T20 matches, Yadav has scored 560 runs at an average of 37.33 and an impressive strike rate of 149.33. With the ball as well, the off-spinners numbers look pretty decent with 27 wickets under his belt at an economy of 6.86.

Skipper Rishabh Pant will fancy the prospect of having an exciting striker lower down the order and an effective bowler in the form of Yadav.

#2 Amit Mishra: A Seasoned campaigner in the IPL

Amit Mishra can be a handy option to replace Axar Patel initially

Amit Mishra has been a seasoned campaigner when it comes to the IPL and has had an excellent record under his belt. In 150 IPL matches, Mishra has picked up 160 wickets with an economy of 7.35. In the 2020 edition, the leg-spinner started well but had to miss most parts of the tournament due to an injury. The combination of Ashwin and Mishra could come in handy for the Capitals with the amount of experience the pair will bring in.

Although skill-wise, Mishra would be a perfect choice to replace Patel, the only major factor in DC persisting with the leggie would be his fitness and agility on the field.

#3 Manimaran Siddharth: An Exciting talent awaits IPL Debut

Manimaran Siddharth will be looking to make his IPL debut

Delhi Capitals bought Manimaran Siddharth during the IPL 2021 auction based on some strong performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2019-20 where he took 12 wickets. Overall, the leg-spinner has picked up 16 wickets in 6 T20 matches with an astonishing economy of 4.95. The spinner will be looking to get an opportunity for the Delhi franchise to repeat his heroics from the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in the upcoming IPL.

He was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders setup in 2020 but did not get any game time. The leg-spinner from Tamil Nadu has impressed in limited outings and the Delhi franchise might go with him as an option in the upcoming edition of the IPL.

#4 Praveen Dubey: IPL 2020 experience can come in handy

Praveen Dubey will be eager to do better for the Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021

Praveen Dubey joined the DC squad midway through the IPL 2020 edition as a replacement for the injured Amit Mishra. Dubey was given only 3 games and could not bowl his full quota of 4 overs in any of those matches. With limited opportunities, his numbers aren’t too impressive. However, he will look to put forth an improved performance in Indian conditions.

Regardless, it looks unlikely that Delhi will go with Dubey as the first-choice replacement for Axar Patel unless they want a young leg-spinner to complement Ravichandran Ashwin in the spin department.

Rishabh Pant's first IPL as skipper is bringing challenges for him even before the tournament has started.

Coach Ricky Ponting will have his task cut out along with skipper Rishabh Pant ahead of the upcoming IPL. Even though the Capitals have a bunch of quality young cricketers waiting on the bench, the franchise will be hoping that all-rounder Axar Patel recovers well as his presence will definitely add the right kind of balance skipper Rishabh Pant and coach Ricky Ponting will be aiming to get into the IPL.