In the IPL 2024 auction, Delhi Capitals (DC) expanded their squad by acquiring nine players, including four wicketkeeper-batters: Jhye Richardson, Shai Hope, Tristan Stubbs, and Harry Brook, who are notable overseas additions.

According to reports, Rishabh Pant is expected to resume leadership for Delhi Capitals, with speculation that he might feature as a specialist batter, although no official confirmation has been provided. Additionally, concerns linger over the fitness of Anrich Nortje, who has been absent from international cricket for an extended period and also missed the last IPL season.

To address potential gaps, DC has enlisted Jhye Richardson as Nortje’s backup. Furthermore, either Hope or Stubbs could be included in the playing XI as a specialist keeper-batsman, allowing Pant to focus on his role as a specialist batter.

The bowling department appears well-equipped with specialist pacers such as Ishant Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, Lungi Nigidi, and Khaleel Ahmed. Kuldeep Yadav serves as the specialist spinner, with Lalit Yadav providing an additional option.

In this article, we anticipate the best XI for Delhi Capitals in the upcoming IPL 2024 season. With ample backup options, DC aims to improve upon their ninth-place finish from the previous season and deliver a stronger performance this time around.

The potential playing XI for DC in IPL 2024 features:

1. Prithvi Shaw: Opening the batting, Shaw looks to bounce back from a challenging previous season. With the potential to surpass 2000 IPL runs, he aims to provide a solid start for DC.
2. David Warner: Partnering with Shaw, Warner, DC’s key performer in Pant’s absence last season, continues to be a crucial batsman. His recent success in the World Cup adds to the team’s batting prowess.
3. Mitchell Marsh: Batting at three, Marsh, a World Cup winner with Australia, seeks to replicate his stellar form in the IPL. As a valuable all-rounder, he contributes with both bat and ball.
4. Rishabh Pant (C/WK): Leading the side, Pant, if fit, will don the wicketkeeper’s gloves. His presence as a dynamic batter adds flexibility to the team’s composition, allowing for an extra bowler.
5. Harry Brook: Potentially batting at five, Brook, an England batter, was added to the squad for his promising form. With the ability to stabilize the middle order, he aims to make an impact.
6. Lalit Yadav / Yash Dhull: Lalit Yadav, an all-rounder, can slot in at six, offering batting depth and a sixth bowling option. Alternatively, Yash Dhull may be considered as a batter in the lineup.
7. Axar Patel: Batting at seven, Axar Patel serves as the third all-rounder in the lineup. His all-round abilities add balance, and he contributes with both bat and ball.
8. Kuldeep Yadav: As the specialist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav adds variety and skill to the bowling department. His improved performances since joining DC make him a key asset.
9. Anrich Nortje / Jhye Richardson: If fit, Nortje is a sure inclusion in the playing XI. However, Jhye Richardson stands as a capable backup. Nortje’s fitness will be crucial to his inclusion.
10. Ishant Sharma: As one of the two Indian pacers, Ishant Sharma brings experience to the lineup. Despite not playing international cricket since the last IPL, his IPL expertise is valuable.
11. Mukesh Kumar: Concluding the likely DC lineup, Mukesh Kumar, a death-over specialist, aims to replicate his performance from the previous season. His impressive show earned him an international debut in 2023.

Impact Sub: Khaleel Ahmed: Khaleel Ahmed, an experienced campaigner for DC, can serve as the impact sub. With a track record of 25 wickets in 19 games, his bowling skills make him a valuable option.

With a balanced combination of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, Delhi Capitals aim to improve on their ninth-place finish from the last season. The predicted playing XI showcases a mix of seasoned performers and promising prospects, aligning with their strategy for IPL 2024.

DC IPL 2024 FULL SQUAD

Rishabh Pant (c), Pravin Dubey, David Warner, Vicky Ostwal, Prithvi Shaw, Anrich Nortje, Abishek Porel, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Lungi Ngidi, Lalit Yadav, Khaleel Ahmed, Mitchell Marsh, Ishant Sharma, Yash Dhull, Mukesh Kumar, Harry Brook, Tristan Stubbs, Ricky Bhui, Kumar Kushagra, Rasikh Dar, Jhye Richardson, Sumit Kumar, Shai Hope, Swastik Chhikara.