Delhi Capitals (DC) Squad IPL 2024
The Delhi Capitals, co-owned by JSW-GMR, underwent a transformative squad makeover during the IPL Mini-Auction 2024 held in Dubai on Tuesday. With strategic bidding, the franchise secured key players, injecting fresh talent and experience into their lineup. Among the notable acquisitions were the dynamic Harry Brook, acquired for INR 4 crore, Australian pace sensation Jhye Richardson, secured for INR 5 crore, and West Indian wicketkeeper-batter Shai Hope, brought in for INR 75 lakh. Additionally, the Delhi Capitals added an uncapped Indian gem to their roster, wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra, for a hefty sum of INR 7.2 crore.
Delhi Capitals' Head Coach, Ricky Ponting, expressed his enthusiasm for the squad, stating, "We filled all the gaps that we wanted to, and I thought that we did a great job at the Auction table." Ponting particularly emphasized the excitement surrounding the acquisition of Harry Brook, labeling him as one of the most talented international cricketers at present. Brook was a top priority for the team, and his inclusion was secured at a commendable figure.
BATTERS
| Player | Batting Style | Bowling Style |
|---|---|---|
| Rishabh Pant (c) | Left hand Bat | - |
| Abishek Porel (†) | Left hand Bat | - |
| Ricky Bhui | Right hand Bat | Legbreak Googly |
| Harry Brook | Right hand Bat | Right arm Medium |
| Yash Dhull | Right hand Bat | Right arm Offbreak |
| Shai Hope (†) | Right hand Bat | - |
| Prithvi Shaw | Right hand Bat | Right arm Offbreak |
| Tristan Stubbs (†) | Right hand Bat | Right arm Offbreak |
| David Warner | Left hand Bat | Legbreak |
ALLROUNDERS
| Player | Batting Style | Bowling Style |
|---|---|---|
| Lalit Yadav | Right hand Bat | Right arm Offbreak |
| Mitchell Marsh | Right hand Bat | Right arm Medium |
| Axar Patel | Left hand Bat | Slow Left arm Orthodox |
| Sumit Kumar | Right hand Bat | Right arm Medium fast |
BOWLERS
| Player | Batting Style | Bowling Style |
|---|---|---|
| Khaleel Ahmed | Right hand Bat | Left arm Fast medium |
| Praveen Dubey | Right hand Bat | Legbreak Googly |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Left hand Bat | Left arm Wrist spin |
| Mukesh Kumar | Right hand Bat | Right arm Medium |
| Lungi Ngidi | Right hand Bat | Right arm Fast medium |
| Anrich Nortje | Right hand Bat | Right arm Fast |
| Vicky Ostwal | Right hand Bat | Slow Left arm Orthodox |
| Rasikh Salam | Right hand Bat | Right arm Medium |
| Jhye Richardson | Right hand Bat | Right arm Fast |
| Ishant Sharma | Right hand Bat | Right arm Fast medium |
| Swastik Chikara | Right hand Bat | Right arm Offbreak |
| Kumar Kushagra | Right hand Bat | - |
Sourav Ganguly, the Director of Cricket for DC, shared his excitement about Shai Hope, highlighting Hope's proficiency against spin and his impressive record in 50-over cricket. Ganguly also expressed confidence in the bowling department, citing the addition of Jhye Richardson as a significant boost to the team's attack.
The team further bolstered its batting arsenal by securing South African wicketkeeper-batter Tristan Stubbs for INR 50 lakh. Stubbs, at 23 years old, has displayed promising performances, amassing 1119 runs in 59 T20s at an impressive strike rate of 147.23. Additionally, the experienced Ricky Bhui, a reliable wicketkeeper-batter, was added to the squad for INR 20 lakh, having scored 1497 runs in 62 T20s at an average of 32.54.
In a spirited bidding war against the Gujarat Titans, the Delhi Capitals successfully acquired the services of wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra for INR 7.2 crore. Kushagra, known for his agility behind the stumps, has already made an impact with eight catches and one stumping in 11 T20 matches. Assistant Coach Pravin Amre expressed confidence in the young player, emphasizing the franchise's commitment to nurturing and supporting emerging talents.
The Delhi Capitals also reinforced their bowling unit by securing the services of medium-fast bowler Rasikh Dar for INR 20 lakh, who boasts 15 wickets in 15 T20s at an average of 27.66. Australian speedster Jhye Richardson, with an impressive record of 112 wickets in 85 T20s at an average of 21.58, was a notable addition secured for INR 5 crore.
The auction concluded with another strategic victory as the Delhi Capitals successfully acquired Indian all-rounder Sumit Kumar for INR 1 crore, following a heated bidding war with the Kolkata Knight Riders. With a track record of 574 runs and 43 wickets in 45 T20s, Sumit Kumar brings versatility and depth to the team.
Adding to the team's wicketkeeping depth, West Indian batter Shai Hope, with 2132 runs and 40 catches & 8 stumpings in 91 T20s, was secured for INR 75 lakh. Opening batter Swastik Chikara, having scored 200 runs in 6 List A matches, was also welcomed into the Delhi Capitals fold for INR 20 lakh.
Overall, the Delhi Capitals emerged from the auction with a well-rounded and formidable squad, combining seasoned international players with promising young talents, setting the stage for an exciting IPL 2024 season.
