IPL 2019: Three reasons why the Delhi Capitals can make the Playoffs

The IPL franchise previously known as the Delhi Daredevils has been reborn as the Delhi Capitals. This franchise looked like one of the favorites to win the Indian Premier League during the first few years of their journey. They even managed to top the points table twice in 2009 and 2012. Things seemed to be going well but their campaign soon started to go downhill and they ended up last in the points table in 2013.

Since 2013, they have been struggling to make it into the top 4 and failed to achieve any substantial results. However, the Delhi Capitals are looking in good shape since the completion of the auction. They have evolved into a team with high prospects; a team that is meant to have a bright future ahead of themselves.

It appears that they can finally make it to the top 4 of the points table. Here are 3 reasons why they can finish IPL 2019 on a positive note.

---

#3 Appointment of Shreyas Iyer as Captain

The rising start of Delhi Capitals: Shreyas Iyer

Shreyas Iyer managed to turn things around for the Delhi Capitals as he lead from the front with his bat. He scored 411 runs at an impressive average of 37.36 at a marvelous strike rate of 132.58. Despite the absence of key players such as Chris Morris and Kagiso Rabada, he still managed to win four out eight games.

This is an impressive record, considering the fact that it was his first time captaining an IPL side. He was also named the captain of the India B squad in October last year and was the highest run-scorer for the Mumbai squad at the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

Given that this year we can expect him to be the skipper for the entire season, we could expect more victories from the Delhi Capitals.

#2 Phenomenal Bowling Unit

Chris Morris and Kagiso Rabada celebrating

The Delhi Capitals have a formidable bowling unit.

Chris Morris has an economy of 7.75 and a batting strike rate of 166.66. He possesses the ability to play the role of a finisher and a death bowler. Rabada has been quite consistent and has picked up 24 wickets out of the 18 T20Is matches that he has played in. Ishant Sharma, the latest recruitment, carries plenty of experience as he has played in the IPL right since its inception in 2008.

Lastly, their spin attack looks solid with Amit Mishra and Sandeep Lamichhane as regular slower bowlers. Last season, Sandeep Lamichhane took 5 wickets in 3 matches at a brilliant economy of 6.83 and will only thrive from a senior player such as Mishra. The veteran has amassed 134 wickets in the IPL thus far with an economy of 7.39.

Axar Patel, who was recently bought by the Capitals in the auction has ample experience due to his exploits with Kings XI Punjab. The Gujarat all-rounder has picked up 61 wickets in the IPL and has an economy of 7.52

The Delhi Capitals bowling unit lacks in no department and has covered all bases. It certainly is a mixture of experience and youth which most teams lack.

#1 Addition of Shikhar Dhawan

Shikhar Dhawan with Sunrisers Hyderabad

Last season we had seen young stars like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Prithvi Shaw carry the batting onus of the Capitals. This year the batting order has been strengthened with the addition of an experienced player - Shikhar Dhawan.

Arguably Dhawan's biggest strength is Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium. The southpaw has played at the stadium since he was a child and even scored 92* out of 50 balls last season at this venue. He knows the pitch quite well and can play a massive role at the top of the order.

Last season he scored 497 runs at a strike rate of 136.91 and would be hoping to replicate the same form in the forthcoming edition.

Prithvi Shaw possesses a high strike rate of 153.12 and scored 245 runs in 9 matches. He can pair up with Shikhar Dhawan as an opener and even take some able guidance from him.

Also to mention, with the purchase of Colin Munro, the squad looks stronger than ever. Munro has a high strike rate of 161 and has scored 3 centuries in T20Is. The team management can now breathe a sigh of relief with this batting unit.