IPL 2024: 3 Changes Delhi Capitals should make to get back to winning ways

Kolkata's Eden Gardens has been a batting paradise so far in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL), but Delhi Capitals (DC) decided to bring a twist to the trend. A cheap dismissal of swashbuckling opener Jake Fraser-McGurk resulted in DC falling like a pack of cards in Match 47 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

The hosts took an early lead when DC captain Rishabh Pant opted to bat first as he failed to read the pitch clearly. Mitchell Starc conceded a few boundaries at the start, but he along with other pacers, managed to give a bright start for the team. The stage was set for the spinners to have fun and Varun Chakravarthy did not miss the opportunity to showcase his mystery spinning.

Chakravarthy and Narine reduced DC to 111/8 and when it looked like DC would be bowled out, Kuldeep Yadav’s knock of 35* gave the visitors a decent total of 153-9. The pitch was too good to bat on in the second innings and Phil Salt did not hesitate to make the most of it. The Englishman took the DC bowlers to the cleaners and put his side well ahead in the powerplay itself. KKR lost a few wickets in the process but managed to finish things off in 16.3 overs with seven wickets in hand.

Here are the 3 changes that Delhi Capitals need to make before their next match against RR:

3. Over-reliant on Fraser-McGurk's fiery start

Jake Fraser-McGurk made a sensational debut in the IPL, scoring 247 runs in five matches at an incredible strike rate of 237.50. The young Aussie's fiery start in the powerplay often saved DC's middle and lower middle order from a sense of responsibility.

Today's defeat is a lesson for them not to over-reliant on Fraser-McGurk's start, rise to the occasion and play according to the situation. Also, the 22-year-old needs to read the conditions properly and adapt his batting technique accordingly.

Also Read: What is Jake Fraser-McGurk's salary in IPL 2024?

2. Replace Shai Hope with David Warner 

David Warner has missed the last few matches with a hand injury. Though he has not been at his best this season, the franchise is confident of the veteran campaigner's comeback. DC will enjoy an eight-day break after the clash against KKR, giving Warner plenty of time to recover.

With Shai Hope struggling to get going, DC wants Warner to take over the former's overseas spot. The West Indies cricketer has failed to make an impact batting in the middle order. However, this could pose a headache for the management as Jake Fraser-McGurk has cemented his opening spot alongside Prithvi Shaw.

1. Better captaincy calls from Rishabh Pant

As discussed in the introduction, Rishabh Pant's inability to read the pitch was the main reason behind this defeat. The DC skipper mentioned during the toss that the pitch was a bit dry and the ball might hold a bit. But that phenomenon, unfortunately, was supposed to happen in the second innings.

Taking advantage, KKR pacers shook the DC dugout by taking the first four wickets in quick succession. Notably, this was only the second time a team has elected to bat first at Eden Gardens in 39 IPL matches since 2017. This happened for the first time during the match between PBKS and KKR last season.