It was a tale of two contrasting halves for the Delhi Capitals (DC) in Dream11 IPL 2020. After the first seven games of the competition, Delhi Capitals looked certain of making it to the playoffs after losing only two matches at the halfway stage. But their campaign turned upside down when they lost four consecutive games in the lead up to the playoffs which derailed their momentum. A few players failed to take up the responsibility in crunch moments and could possibly be released by the Delhi Capitals ahead of IPL 2021 auction.
Despite not playing their best cricket towards the later stages of the IPL 2020, Delhi Capitals made it to their first-ever IPL final in 13 years. However, the dream was shattered for Delhi as they bowed out against a well-rounded Mumbai Indians' line-up in the final by five wickets. They were plenty of positives for the Capitals right throughout this IPL, but at the same time, there were a few disappointments as well.
Here’s a look at 5 players who might be released by Delhi Capitals (DC) ahead of the IPL 2021 auction:
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1. Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw was a major disappointment for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2020. The Delhi opener started off the campaign on a bright note with a couple of fifties in the first few games. But what followed was a major shocker as Prithvi could only manage to score 49 runs including 3 ducks in his last eight innings for Delhi. As a result, despite Shikhar Dhawan's brilliant form in 2020, Delhi failed to get much-desired opening starts on most occasions.
The out-of-form Prithvi Shaw was backed by the entire team management but the 21-year old struggled to repay the faith in this season. Though it looks unlikely, Prithi Shaw could be one of the first few players to released by Delhi ahead of IPL 2021 auction.
Prithvi Shaw IPL 2020 Stats
Matches- 13
Runs- 226
Average- 17.53
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2. Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane was traded to the Delhi Capitals' setup before the IPL 2020. However, the Indian Test vice-captain couldn't find a spot in the Playing XI in the initial few games of the season. In the second half, Rahane got his opportunity but couldn't really make it count at the top of the order. The Mumbaikar discovered new ways of getting out until he played a crucial knock for Delhi in the last league match against RCB.
Except for his 46-ball 60 against RCB, it was a sub-standard season for the experienced campaigner who failed to yet again impress in the shortest form of the game. Looking at the season gone by, and the struggle for making it to the playing XI, Delhi Capitals might look beyond the Test specialist ahead of the IPl 2021 auction.
Ajinkya Rahane IPL 2020 Stats
Matches- 9
Runs- 113
Average- 14.12
3. Daniel Sams
Daniel Sams was brought in as a replacement for Chris Woakes who opted out before the beginning of the tournament. With an impressive BBL 2019 behind him, DC had high hopes for the left-arm quick to deliver in his debut IPL season. Sams featured in three games for the Capitals this season but went wicketless on each occasion. Though he bowled tough overs at the death and in the powerplay, he failed to contain any runs during the distinct phases of the game.
Looking ahead at the next IPL season, Daniel Sams might be released as Delhi looks to rope in support for Rabada and Nortje in the fast-bowling department at the IPL 2021 auction.
Daniel Sams IPL 2020 Stats
Matches- 3
Wickets- 0
Economy- 9.50
4. Mohit Sharma
Mohit Sharma featured in a solitary IPL match for Delhi Capitals this season in 2020. Despite being one of the experienced Indian bowlers, Tushar Deshpande was given the nod ahead of Mohit is a few matches this season. The fact that Ishant Sharma was ruled out midway through the season, Mohit was still not able to find a spot in the Playing XI.
In the upcoming IPL 2021 mega-auction, Delhi Capitals might target a few young Indian bowling options for the next season. As a result, the Harayan-bowler might be released ahead of the next year's IPL auction in 2021.
Mohit Sharma IPL 2020 Stats
Matches- 1
Wickets- 1
Economy- 11.25
5. Sandeep Lamichanne
The Nepal-born leg spinner Sandeep Lamichanne didn't get to play even a single game for Delhi in IPL 2020. The presence of experienced likes of Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel in the Delhi Capitals IPL squad meant no place for Lamichanne in the playing XI. Despite Sandeep's impressive show in the last two IPL seasons, the Nepal spinner might be released ahead of the IPL 2021 acution.
