IPL 2019: Analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each team

#2 Delhi Capitals

Shreyas Iyer

Squad: Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer (c), Prithvi Shaw, Manjot Kalra, Hanuma Vihari, Colin Ingram, Sherfaine Rutherford, Amit Mishra, Avesh Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Sandeep Lamichhane, Trent Boult, Ishant Sharma, Nathu Singh, Keemo Paul, Bandaru Ayyappa, Harshal Patel, Rahul Tewatia, Colin Munro, Chris Morris, Axar Patel, Jalaj Saxena, Ankush Bains, Rishabh Pant.

Strengths

Having released a big slew of players ahead of the auction, the newly christened Delhi Capitals had a task on their hands. They brought in a host of talent for different departments, and it's fair to say they look pretty balanced - after many years, indeed.

Their biggest strength is the Indian batting core, comprising of the fearless Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant, the seasoned Shikhar Dhawan and the skipper himself, Shreyas Iyer. Not to mention, their foreign batting slice consists of the destructive Colin Munro and an industrious Colin Ingram.

What was most impressive from Ricky Ponting's side was the fact that they addressed their issue straight to the point. They needed a floater, hence they dished out 6.40 Cr for Ingram.

With Sandeep Lamichhane and Axar Patel in, alongside Amit Mishra, they have a power-packed spin unit - with some wrist spin, conventional off-spin and the 'mystery' spin as well. Trent Boult and Kagiso Rabada meanwhile, need no introduction to the cricketing world.

Weaknesses

Perhaps, the main weakness DC have is within their own minds. For a side that hasn't achieved its targets for many seasons, it's always an uphill task for the captain and coach to overturn recent fortunes, albeit it's a new season.

Speaking in terms of the team, it's highly important for Chris Morris to fire, as he remains the only genuine all-rounder who can bowl pace. He wasn't at his prolific best last season, so the onus lies on him to serve the goods.

Verdict

DC look a very strong team this time around. They have quality all-rounders, lethal pace bowlers and arguably the best Indian batting unit. The team balance looks sharp. Should they apply themselves and find the right team combination early on, top 4 will be a definite berth.