IPL 2023: X-Factor of Delhi Capitals

image-lfp9l783David Warner will lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2023 (Source: Twitter)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 nears its kick-off time. Engaged in a tough and relentless training, every team is gazing at the shimmery trophy that has been set as the reward of the tournament, beginning on March 31.

As for Delhi Capitals (DC), they have thrown off balance as their skipper Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the upcoming season as he suffered injuries due to an unfortunate accident.

Australia's David Warner is endowed with the leadership role. While his current form holds no aplomb, he remains the x-factor in DC's 24-member playing contingent. 

Why so? Let's analyse!

A bellicose batter 

While the Bull has lost its pugnaciousness, that trait is still very much alive in his batting as he avouches dominance while holding a high-powered willow in his hands.

The flavours of his aggressive batting style has been sprinkled across various seasons, however, fans and pundits doubt if he still can be the top dog, considering his ongoing rut.

Only time will tell if Warner can gain back the impregnability. But he has a point to prove and going by history, he has ensured to hit back at the criticism only in style.

An inspirational leader 

To cite the 2016 IPL edition, let us revisit an underdog story that had Sunrisers Hyderabad's title win as its plot and Warner playing the main lead.

Captain Warner and batter Warner joined hands and their alliance forged a trophy-winning campaign for the Sunrisers as they defeated Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final of that season.

The captain marvellous led from the front, smashing 848 runs that year and was only behind Virat Kohli in the list of top-scorers.

Trust factor 

Being an Aussie and having already been seen as an insignia of trust, Warner can never be counted out, no matter at what stage of the career he is in.

The pocket dynamo is experiencing the chill wind. But he can soon turn that into a breeze.

Been there, done that

None of the DC captains knew what it takes to hold an IPL trophy when they were employed at the position.

Warner differs from others in this respect. He is one of the few championship-winning skippers of the IPL.

He will be leading the Capitals for the first time. However, he has travelled that road before and that could come handy when he is put to test in IPL 2023.

Warner in IPL 

Runs - 5,881 

Strike-rate - 140.69 

Average - 42.01 

Half-centuries - 55 

Hundreds - 4