Delhi Team in Indian T20 League 2022

By Vivek Krishnan

Since rebranding towards the end of 2018, Delhi’s fortunes have turned around in the Indian T20 League. Qualifying for the playoffs in the last three editions is a testimony to their recent consistency.

Like many other teams, Delhi too couldn’t buy back most of their seasoned campaigners at the auction. That said, they managed to retain a few power-packed performers, including their captain Rishabh Pant.

Besides the Indian domestic talent, Delhi was also successful in adding some renowned overseas professionals for the next few seasons. Last year, despite topping the points table, they were ousted in the second qualifier.

Game Changers
Both Prithvi Shaw and David Warner prefer to go hammer and tongs in the powerplay. If the duo gets off to a flying start, not only will Delhi benefit but also the fantasy players will be handsomely rewarded. Although Shaw can dazzle to disappoint, he is a delight once he gets going. Meanwhile, Warner has amassed 5449 runs at 41.49.

Regardless of where Pant decides to bat, expect the diminutive wicket-keeper batter to destroy attacks. Given his recent form and reputation, he will be a favorite in fantasy leagues.

Key Contributors
Anrich Nortje and Axar Patel have contributed enormously to Delhi’s success over the past few years. While the South African spearheaded the pace attack by picking wickets at the start and death, Axar took care of the middle overs.

Newcomers
Chetan Sakariya impressed one and all, especially with the new ball for Rajasthan in the previous season. Given his recent exploits, he could be given the responsibility to share the new ball alongside Nortje. Meanwhile, Mustafizur Rahman too will lend depth and variety to the Delhi bowling.

Strengths
Although Delhi couldn’t retain the prolific opener Shikhar Dhawan, they will be delighted to have the services of Warner who has proved his worth in the Indian T20 League. The dynamic opening pair of Warner and Shaw should provide rollicking starts for Delhi.

With the inclusion of Mitchell Marsh and Rovman Powell, finishing the innings shouldn’t be a matter of concern for Delhi. Then there is Pant, who is capable of making jaws drop time and again.

On the bowling front too, Delhi are unlikely to regret losing Kagiso Rabada and Avesh Khan. The retention of Nortje–coupled with a few good additions in Sakariya, Mustafizur, and Lungi Ngidi –augurs well for the franchise.

Weaknesses
With Ravichandran Ashwin’s departure from Delhi, the onus will be on Axar Patel to lead the spin attack. However, on current form and reputation, only the left-arm spinner is expected to feature in the starting 11.

Although Kuldeep Yadav is in the mix, his reputation in the Indian T20 League is currently sullied after a couple of poor seasons. Lalit Yadav too can’t be relied upon to bowl four overs regularly. Unless Delhi is able to field a regular spin-bowling partner for Axar, they might fall short in this aspect of the game.

Final Word
After three consecutive playoffs, including a runner-up position in 2020, Delhi will be hoping to go all the way in 2022. As the old adage goes, well begun is half done. And the 2020 finalists have taken the first step correct by constructing a team worthy of a title. Looking ahead into the 15th season, Delhi fans have every reason to believe that they could bask in the glory come 29 May.