Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra expects Rishabh Pant’s availability will change Delhi Capitals’ fortune in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Capitals finished at number nine on the points table in 2023 season as they lacked firepower in the middle order. However, Chopra believes that the franchise did not sort out the problem at the auction even though he spent big bucks.
Chopra said that Tristan Stubbs is a good acquisition but he expressed surprised on the fact that the franchise did not after Shahrukh Khan. He explained that the middle order batters are a problem as he is not sure about who can will slot in at numbers five, six and seven.
“Last year, the Capitals had taken an oath that they would stay close to the bottom of the table. The chances of Rishabh Pant's availability are bright this year. It seems like spring will suddenly come once Rishabh Pant comes in,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“They have taken Tristan Stubbs, who I feel is a good option, a wicketkeeper-batter who can bat down the order. They now have Ricky Bhui and Kumar Kushagra. They had saved a lot of money for Kumar Kushagra, that they needed him for sure. I felt they would break the bank for Shahrukh,” the 46-year-old added.
DC’s last year's problem will remain almost similar: Aakash Chopra
Chopra acknowledged that Pant’s arrival might fix a few issues in the batting department but isn’t quite sure how it will fare in the tournament after a long break. Notably, Pant’s inclusion is subjected to fitness and in case he misses out, Kumar Kushagra is likely to take his spot. Despite so, Chopra raised his concerns about the middle order which looks undercooked.
Also read: Who is Kumar Kushagra?
“You had to strengthen your middle order and lower-middle order because that is where the problem lay. You have David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant, if he is there, at the top, but who at Nos. 5, 6 and 7? Their last year's problem will remain almost similar this year as well," he explained.
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