IPL 2020: Three factors that can help Delhi Capitals win the tournament 

Delhi Capitals (previously Delhi Daredevils) are one of the three teams taking part in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League who are yet to win the league. In the early years of the tournament they were quite competitive, making it to the semi-finals in the first two editions. After that, their fortunes stumbled significantly.

They finished 5th and 10th in 2010 and 2011 respectively. After being placed third in 2012, Delhi failed to reach the play-offs round even once from 2013 to 2018. They finished last in 2013 and 2014, 7th in 2015, 6th in 2016 and 2017, and last again in 2018.

Delhi’s fortunes changed for the better last year when, under Shreyas Iyer, they made it to the play-offs for the first time since 2012. Like in 2012, they finished at the third position in 2019 as well. Here’s an analysis of factors that could have a major impact on Delhi’s fortunes in IPL 2020.

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#1 Flying starts from Shikhar Dhawan and Jason Roy

Shikhar Dhawan (Image courtesy: BCCI/iplt20.com)

Openers play a significant role in any team’s success in the IPL. And, in Shikhar Dhawan and Jason Roy, Delhi have two of the most dangerous hitters of the cricket ball. The franchise can gain a significant advantage if the duo fire.

Unlike T20Is, Dhawan has an excellent record in the IPL. Having moved to Delhi last year following a trade-off with Sunrisers Hyderabad, the left-hander smashed 521 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of 135.67 with five fifties at an average of 34.73. Dhawan was one of the key factors behind the franchise’s improved showing after many years of disappointments.

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The Indian opener has been in fine form in the tournament in recent editions, having scored close to 500 hundred runs in every season from 2016 to 2018 - 501 in 2016, 479 in 2017, 497 in 2018. Overall, he has 4,579 runs in 159 IPL matches at a strike rate of 124.80.

Jason Roy

Although, Delhi have a few opening options in Prithvi Shaw and Ajinkya Rahane, they must pair Dhawan with England star Roy, considering his naturally attacking instinct and current form as well. Roy, who played a massive part in England’s 2019 World Cup triumph, is yet to make a big impact in the IPL, but all that can change this season.

In eight IPL matches, the England opener has scored 179 runs at a strike rate of 133.58 and an average of 29.83. His one innings of note has been the stunning 91 not out from 53 balls for Delhi against Mumbai Indians in 2018. The franchise will be expecting more of the same from him this season as well.

#2 Marcus Stoinis needs to continue his BBL form

Marcus Stoinis

While the Australian selectors ignored all-rounder Marcus Stoinis despite his fantastic BBL showing, Delhi Capitals have placed their faith in him. Released by Royal Challengers Bangalore prior to the IPL 2020 auction, Delhi purchased Stoinis for ₹4.8 crore. The all-rounder’s excellent batting form in the BBL will have raised the franchise’s hopes further.

In 17 matches in the BBL for Melbourne Stars, Stoinis smashed 705 runs at an average of 54.23 and a strike rate of 136.62 with one hundred and six fifties, the most by any batsman in a BBL season. During the record-breaking season, Stoinis went past D’Arcy Short’s (637) record.

Earlier, in the same edition, Stoinis also created a new record for the highest individual score in the tournament's history during his unbeaten 147 off 79 balls against Sydney Sixers. The earlier record was in the name of Short, who had scored 122. Despite the Stars going down in the finals, Stoinis walked away with the player of the tournament award.

If you look at his IPL performance last year, Stoinis played 10 matches and notched up 211 runs at a strike rate of 135.25. He played a few nice cameos, but couldn’t contribute much with the ball. Delhi too will expect Stoinis to come up with the big hits. They can also use him as a floater in the batting order.

Further, if the 30-year-old can get his yorkers right, he can be an ever greater asset to Delhi.

#3 Ishant Sharma and Kagiso Rabada should take charge

Kagiso Rabada (Image Courtesy: BCCI/IPLT20.COM)

If one looks at Delhi’s bowling options, they have plenty of variety available. However, Ravichandran Ashwin is not the bowler he once used to be in the T20 format while Amit Mishra is slowly fading away. Young leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane is still learning the tricks of the trade, and pacer Mohit Sharma has been reduced to more of a back-up bowler these days.

Under such circumstances, Delhi will be heavily dependent on Ishant Sharma and Kagiso Rabada to fire. Both have the experience and form to deliver for their franchise. After going unsold in 2018, Ishant made a stellar comeback for his home town Delhi last season.

In 13 matches, he picked up as many wickets at an impressive strike rate of 21.23 and an average of 26.84. The lanky fast bowler rarely gave much room to the batsmen to open their arms as evident from his strike rate of 7.58.

Ishant Sharma

Ishant gave excellent support to South Africa’s pace sensation Rabada, who was Delhi’s best bowler by some distance in IPL 2019. In 12 matches last season, the tearaway fast bowler claimed a rich bag of 25 wickets at an average of 17.93 and a brilliant strike rate of 13.22. His excellent numbers made up for a slightly high economy rate of 8.13.

Along with Shreyas Iyer’s smart leadership, Dhawan’s consistency and Rishabh Pant’s exuberance, 24-year-old Rabada’s wicket-taking skills were key to Delhi’s renaissance last year.