IPL 2020: SWOT Analysis of Delhi Capitals

DC in IPL 2020: Threats

Axar Patel might leave DC short of pace options in IPL 2020

#1 DC might face issues with overseas player selection

While Shimron Hetmyer and Kagiso Rabada are guaranteed to play, DC might face issues while selecting players for the other two overseas slots in this IPL.

Marcus Stoinis was in great form in the Big Bash League earlier this year, but that was when he was opening the innings and he might not be as effective in the middle order. Sandeep Lamichhane might not be favoured ahead of Amit Mishra, while Keemo Paul and Anrich Nortje might be nothing but backup options.

DC have Alex Carey on the bench, and the Aussie wicket-keeper was also a star performer in the BBL as an opener. Daniel Sams is the final overseas option, with the Australian left-armer being signed as a replacement for Jason Roy. There is a distinct lack of clarity surrounding the team's overseas selection, and this is a threat that they will have to nullify at the earliest in this year's IPL.

#2 DC might have to compromise on either new-ball bowling or death-over bowling

DC have the option to play two overseas pacers, and while they might choose to do so, they will have to at the expense of Ishant Sharma. With the team likely to go in with a three-pronged spin attack, the final spot in the XI might be a straight toss-up between Ishant, Nortje and Sams.

While the veteran Indian pacer is a skilled exponent of the new ball, he doesn't really offer much at the death. Sams, on the other hand, is almost entirely opposite to Ishant, with his deceptive slower ball perfectly suited to the latter stages of the innings.

DC might have to compromise on either new-ball bowling or death-over bowling in IPL 2020, and if whichever option they choose, they'll have to bank on their three spinners to make up for their deficiencies.

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