IPL 2020: Delhi Capitals (DC) release 9 players from their squad

The Delhi Capitals (DC) had an incredible season in the 2019 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The team, led by Shreyas Iyer, progressed to the Qualifier 2 and then lost to runners-up Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, the team flourished under the coaching of the enigmatic Ricky Ponting and mentoring of Sourav Ganguly, who’s the current president of the BCCI.

The auction will take place on December 19 and the Capitals will be hoping to go even further in the next season. In the meantime, the Capitals have let go 9 players ahead of the auction. Among big names, Colin Munro, who has three T20I tons to his name, wasn’t retained. Munro played mostly in the middle order last season, but couldn’t quite churn out the consistent performances.

Hanuma Vihari, who’s been a class act in Test cricket, didn’t quite fit into the team’s scheme of things. Even without Munro, the Capitals have a power-packed top order. He played in the lower order and couldn’t step up in the role. The franchise has also bid adieu to Chris Morris, who came into the team with a reputation of being a genuine wicket-taker and a power-hitter as well.

Not much alteration in Capitals’ top-order

Delhi have retained Shikhar Dhawan, who turned up with some crucial knocks at the top of the order. The southpaw has strained for Team India off late, but the experience he brings in can’t be ruled out by any means. Prithvi Shaw has been fearless at the top and has complemented Shaw to the best of his potential. Among bowlers, Ishant Sharma and Amit Mishra have been persisted with.

Kagiso Rabada was their standout bowler and it didn’t spring a surprise that he got a chance. The South Africa speedster was their leading wicket-taker last season. He also bowled the famous Super Over where he got rid of Andre Russell. Sandeep Lamichhane and Avesh Khan were retained as well.

Rishabh Pant, Axar Patel and Keemo Paul are the other retained players. Pant has played a number of match-winning knocks for the Capitals. The Capitals have meanwhile traded in Ravi Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane from the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) respectively.

Delhi Capitals released list

Batsman: Colin Ingram, Colin Munro, Hanuma Vihari, Manjot Kalra
Bowlers: Bandaru Ayyappa, Nathu Singh
All-rounders: Chris Morris, Jalaj Saxena
Wicket-keepers: Ankush Bains