IPL 2020: 3 uncapped Delhi Capitals players who deserve a chance in the playing XI

Delhi Capitals are one of the few franchises who are yet to lift the coveted IPL trophy in the last 12 years. Their best result came last season, where they reached the playoffs after a change in ownership. The side, led by the young and dynamic Shreyas Iyer, will be keen to break the deadlock and go one step further and bring home the prestigious trophy.

The current Delhi squad possesses quality in all departments. On the batting front, Rishabh Pant, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer and Shimron Hetmyer will dominate the proceedings, while Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin will lead the bowling unit. Marcus Stoinis will be a great addition to the squad considering the form he showed in the recently-concluded Big Bash League.

But amidst all these star-studded cricketers, there are also some young talents in the squad who deserve an opportunity when the competition unfolds. As the 13th edition of the IPL starts in a few weeks, we take a look at three uncapped Delhi Capitals cricketers who deserve a chance in the playing XI at some point this season.

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1. Avesh Khan

Avesh Khan

A tall and lanky fast bowler from Madhya Pradesh, Avesh Khan hogged the limelight during the U19 World Cup in 2016. Although he had made his first-class debut in 2014, it was the mega event, where he scalped 12 wickets, that gave the required mileage to his career.

Since then, Avesh has been on the radar of the national selectors, and has been consistently playing for India A.

Royal Challengers Bangalore roped in the fast bowler in 2017 before he moved to Delhi Capitals (previously known as Delhi Daredevils). Avesh hasn't been given too many opportunities in the last two years, playing only seven games for his franchise. However, considering his current form, the young fast bowler deserves more.

With Ishant Sharma playing more of red-ball cricket lately, Avesh can be the perfect candidate to partner Kagiso Rabada with the new ball for the Capitals. The 23-year-old finished as the highest wicket-taker for Madhya Pradesh in the last Ranji season, with 35 dismissals in seven matches.

Avesh has developed a nasty short-pitched delivery as his stock ball, and can also swing the ball both ways. Currently, he is representing India A on their tour of New Zealand, and he will be hoping to get an extended run in the IPL to showcase his potential.

2. Tushar Deshpande

Tushar Deshpande

A product of the Shivaji Park Gymkhana, Tushar Deshpande isn’t tall and doesn’t have the traits of a natural fast bowler. However, he is fast and when in rhythm, Deshpande is difficult to stop.

After impressing in the Cooch Behar Trophy with 21 wickets in four games, he was picked in Mumbai's squad for the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy. The 24-year-old impressed in his debut game against Tamil Nadu, and hasn't looked back since.

Deshpande’s stock has risen higher after taking up the leadership role in Mumbai’s pace bowling attack; he has 31 wickets from 20 T20 games, including best figures of 4 for 19. In recognition of his good work, Delhi Capitals roped him in at the auction for IPL 2020.

From a ball boy in 2008 during the maiden IPL season to playing in the league in 2020, Deshpande has come a long way. Speaking to Sportskeeda after earning a contract, the right-arm fast bowler said he was hopeful of making a difference for his franchise.

“Right now I am in a good ribbon and I think I can make a difference to any of the IPL teams,” Deshpande had said.

Amidst some quality fast bowlers in the squad in the form of Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma and Mohit Sharma, Deshpande can inject even more raw pace and give the batsmen a run for their money.

3. Lalit Yadav

Lalit Yadav

Hailing from Najafgarh, the place widely associated with Virender Sehwag, Lalit Yadav is also known for his big-hitting abilities in the shortest format. Although he made his debut in first-class cricket, it was during the T20s that Lalit hogged the headlines, striking at a rate of 137 with 408 runs from 30 outings.

Yadav was rewarded with an IPL contract when Delhi Capitals roped him in during the auction at his base price of Rs 20 lakh. While it is extremely difficult to break into the playing XI amidst the star-studded Delhi line-up, the young batsman is upbeat about taking up the challenge. He wants to emulate his skipper Shreyas Iyer, as well as Rishabh Pant and Prithvi Shaw, during the new assignment.

“This tournament (IPL) is a huge platform for upcoming cricketers. Delhi Capitals, in particular, is the best team for young Indian cricketers. I see this as an important stepping stone to eventually playing for India one day, like Shreyas, Rishabh and Prithvi,” India Today quoted Lalit Yadav as saying.

The 23-year-old can be a handy player in the lower middle-order for the Capitals. The Shreyas Iyer-led side failed to go all the way because of their weaknesses in the middle-order, and Yadav has the ability to solve that problem.