Decoding Delhi Capitals' focus areas for IPL 2021 Auction
What's the story
The Indian Premier League 2021 season will have its mini-auction on February 18. Last month, the eight franchises named the respective squads after retaining and releasing players. The Delhi Capitals, who reached the IPL 2020 final, have a few areas to address, despite having a strong squad on offer. Here we look at the focus areas of the Delhi Capitals.
Pacers
DC need to bolster their pace department
DC will be looking at some quality Indian and foreign pacers in the upcoming auction. The side has Ishant Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, and Anrich Nortje at its disposal. These three will be the go to performers for DC, however, a couple of Indian speedsters and a quality foreigner could add more substance. DC need the depth and variety in pace options.
Batting
DC need a quality top-order batsman
DC need a quality top-order batsman and a finisher in the ranks. Last season, the likes of Ajinkya Rahane and Prithvi Shaw failed to support Shikhar Dhawan. With some notable opening batsmen in the auction list, DC will be aiming to add vitality. Also, the side needs a finisher. They have a strong batting unit, but another finisher will help their cause.
DC
A look at DC's squad and players released
DC retained players: Shreyas Iyer (c), Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, R Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Axar Patel, Amit Mishra, Avesh Khan, Marcus Stoinis, Shimron Hetmyer, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Pravin Dubey, Lalit Yadav, Chris Woakes. Players released by DC: Keemo Paul, Sandeep Lamichhane, Alex Carey, Mohit Sharma, Tushar Deshpande, Jason Roy. Players traded to RCB: Harshal Patel and Daniel Sams.
Information
Purse and slots remaining for the Delhi Capitals
DC have Rs. 12.8 crore available to spend in the IPL 2021 auction. Besides, they have six slots remaining out of which two foreign players are available.