IPL 2020: 3 areas where Delhi Capitals must improve

The Delhi Capitals have been the butt of many a joke in the Indian Premier League. From their bizarre retention strategies to overspending on players while constantly underachieving, Delhi has seen a barrage of quips hurled at them.

Last year, however, Delhi silenced the critics by reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2012 -- finishing third -- to finally give the capital something to cheer about. This was largely due to a fantastic transfer policy, with the team focusing on the right fit rather than big names.

Under the tutelage of Ricky Ponting and Sourav Ganguly, Delhi finally lived up to their potential. The top four of Shikhar Dhawan (who was traded in for three players), Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant delivered, and there was also some fantastic bowling from Kagiso Rabada, Chris Morris, Ishant Sharma and Amit Mishra.

With the influx of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane this year, the team looks more formidable than ever.

There are, however, a few areas where they must improve in order to go a step further. Considering they have released several players ahead of the auction on the 19th of December, here are three areas where the Capitals need to add reinforcements:

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1. All-rounder with finishing abilities

With the inclusion of Rahane, the Delhi Capitals should be able to play a fluid top five, with Shaw and Dhawan opening and Rahane, Iyer and Pant floating as per the requirement of the game.

Having released Chris Morris, however, Delhi have lost a bowler who can complement Kagiso Rabada at the death as well as a clean hitter who can finish games for them.

The loss of Chris Morris creates a vacancy at the #6 position

There are several options for Delhi at the auction, including James Neesham, Jason Holder, Marcus Stoinis, Sam Curran and even Morris himself. Having freed 11 crore rupees by releasing Morris, Delhi might be looking to get him back at a cheaper price and save some money in the process.

2. Middle-order batsmen

Eoin Morgan could provide much needed stability at the #5 position

Another aspect that Delhi seemed to struggle with last year was that their batting seemed to fall off a cliff after Pant's departure. Colin Ingram's arrival at 5 didn't help (184 runs in 12 innings with no fifties), and with Sherfane Rutherford traded to Mumbai Indians, Delhi seem thin in the middle order.

Whilst Delhi could potentially play Rahane, Iyer and Pant at 3, 4 and 5, it is more likely that they would be looking at Rahane strictly as an opener. Additionally, they have got no back-ups in the position.

The player that they would covet the most for this area is Eoin Morgan. The Irish-born England captain is going through a purple patch with the bat. He is a level-headed cricketer who can both play the role of an anchor in case of a batting collapse or go hammer and tongs in case the team needs a strong finish.

Whilst Morgan's IPL record isn't the strongest, his current form and experience would make him an attractive option at #5. Other options include Shimron Hetmyer, Ross Taylor and JP Duminy.

3. Foreign pacer

Trent Boult's departure has left a hole in Delhi's pace attack

With the inclusion of Ashwin, Delhi's spin bowling department seems complete; Ashwin, Axar, Mishra and Lamichhane form a very strong core. Furthermore, an in-form Ishant Sharma (who had a fantastic IPL 2018 with the ball) takes care of the Indian pacer slot, with Harshal Patel and Avesh Khan providing adequate cover.

However, Delhi seem thin in the foreign pacer department. With the release of Trent Boult to Mumbai Indians, the Capitals seem a pacer short to complement Kagiso Rabada and Keemo Paul.

Fortunately for the Capitals, there are several players for them to have a look at. Considering his current form, Delhi might be tempted to go for Mitchell Starc. If fit, he could create havoc in the IPL; him and Rabada bowling in tandem would give most teams nightmares.

Starc would, however, be sought by most teams, which could cause Delhi to look elsewhere. Pat Cummins, Chris Jordan, Sheldon Cottrell and Tymal Mills are some other players they might also target.