Why Will Delhi Capitals Lose In IPL 2024?

Delhi Capitals have some serious issues to address going into IPL 2024 Delhi Capitals have some serious issues to address going into IPL 2024 

Delhi Capitals (DC), one of the Indian Premier League's (IPL) longstanding franchises, has consistently shown promise but is yet to secure the coveted title. 

Despite a heartbreakingly close call in the 2022 final, the team's aspirations for the 2024 season are fuelled by some new acquisitions and the much-anticipated return of captain Rishabh Pant.

With a robust investment of ₹19.05 crore, DC has infused fresh talent into their squad, including international stars like England's Harry Brook, South African Tristan Stubbs, and a mix of promising domestic players. 

Yet, beneath the surface of these promising developments, several obstacles loom that could potentially derail DC's championship aspirations.

Delhi Capitals face a litany of challenges as they embark on their IPL 2024 campaign. From a pace attack that lacks depth and star power to the absence of a proven finisher and the fitness concerns of their key players, the road to glory appears difficult.

At OneCricket, we take a look at why will Delhi Capitals lose in IPL 2024?


A Thin Pace Arsenal

Anrich Nortje is the only frontline speedster DC has within it's ranksAnrich Nortje is the only frontline speedster DC has within it's ranks

The most glaring concern for the Delhi Capitals is their pace bowling department. While they possess a jewel in Anrich Nortje, the absence of a high-calibre Indian pacer is evident. 

Past seasons have seen Ishant Sharma and Mukesh Kumar failing to leave a mark, leading to a lack of depth in this critical area.

The variety brought by left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed offers a silver lining, but it might not be enough to compensate for the overall deficiency. 

Complicating matters further, Lungi Ngidi's ankle injury has left a void, with the Capitals opting for a batter, Fraser-McGurk, as his replacement — a decision that has baffled many.

Additionally, the unavailability of Jhye Richardson for the first half of the season adds another complexity, thinning the Capitals' pace attack at a time when they can least afford it.


The Finishing Flaws

Axar Patel failed to finish games for DC in IPL 2023Axar Patel failed to finish games for DC in IPL 2023

In the match-finishing department, the Capitals find themselves heavily reliant on Rishabh Pant. However, Pant's recent absence from competitive cricket raises questions about his ability to deliver under pressure.

The previous season saw Axar Patel stepping into this role, but despite his efforts, the desired outcomes remained elusive. The auction was a golden opportunity to bolster this aspect of their game, yet it passed without the Capitals addressing this critical need.

Lalit Yadav, with his all-around capabilities, is yet to prove himself as a finisher the team can rely on in crunch situations. This dearth of quality finishers leaves the Capitals in an uncertain position.


Fitness and Form Concerns


Adding to their list of predicaments are the fitness concerns surrounding key players The limelight is firmly on the fitness of key players like Anrich Nortje and the form of Rishabh Pant post-recovery from his accident.

While Nortje is injury-prone, Pant's prolonged absence from the cricket field has sparked concerns about his match fitness and form. 

The Capitals' fate is going to hinge significantly on how these players steer their return to peak condition and performance because if the duo fails to hit the form, it wouldn't be surprising to see DC reeling in the bottom half of the table.