Delhi Capitals (DC) will be missing their foreign pace attack during the first two games of IPL 2023 due to the different national commitments of Mustafizur Rahman, Anrich Nortje, and Lungi Ngidi.
As a result, there is extra pressure on the Indian pace line-up, including Khaleel Ahmed, Chetan Sakariya, Ishant Sharma, Mukesh Kumar, and Kamlesh Nagarkoti.
While Delhi Capitals will miss the firepower and quality that Nortje and Ngidi bring to the side, they will have to rely on their Indian pace arsenal for the first two games.
After 4 long years, the wait is finally over 😍
Are you ready to ROAR at #QilaKotla?#YehHaiNayiDilli #IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/QeGkuAoiY5
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 24, 2023
The Delhi Capitals are not the only team missing players for their IPL opener. A few days ago, it was reported the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be missing two-star players for their first IPL two matches.
In addition to missing players, the Capitals are dealing with major injury issues, as they will be without captain Rishabh Pant for the entire season as he recovers from injuries sustained in a car accident in December last year.
Pant’s absence is a huge blow to the team as he provided balance to the squad with his wicketkeeping and batting in the middle order.
DC Dealing with Other Absent Players
Despite being aware of Pant’s injury for months, Delhi Capitals are yet to announce an official replacement for the Indian wicket-keeper batsman. This puts England’s Philip Salt in the spotlight, as he is the only wicket-keeper batsman in the current squad.
In Pant’s absence, Australian opener David Warner has been appointed captain, bringing his experience and pedigree to the team. The left-hander’s absence and the absence of the overseas pacers will be a challenge for the Capitals, but they will be looking to turn things around after missing out on the playoffs last season.
With Warner leading the way, Delhi Capitals will be looking to claim their maiden IPL title in 16 years.
Related Delhi Capitals News
In more team news, head coach Ricky Ponting has revealed the batting order for the first few games. Prithvi Shaw will open the innings with captain David Warner, and hard-hitting Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will bat at number three.
Ponting has also expressed his confidence in Shaw’s form and believes the batsman will have his biggest IPL season yet.
Ponting praised Shaw for his hard work and dedication and said that the youngster is in the best physical shape of his life. Ponting also believes that Shaw has worked and trained better and is in better physical shape.
Additionally, he stated that he can relate to Shaw’s struggles as he was once labeled a ‘bad boy.’ Ponting hopes to help Shaw utilize his talent and work hard to succeed.
With the level of talent he possesses, everyone can expect to see the “real” Prithvi Shaw in action this year.
Additional Ideas from Ponting
𝗗𝗔𝗗𝗔 is 🔙
That happiness says it all 🫶#YehHaiNayiDilli #IPL2023 | @SGanguly99 pic.twitter.com/M3TQ95lGhM
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) March 24, 2023
Despite the setback, Ponting hopes to keep Pant’s spirit alive in the team. He voiced his desire to have Pant’s shirt number on the caps or shirts of the players to honor his contributions to the team.
The players’ absence will undoubtedly be felt, but the team is determined to move forward and make the most of the opportunities presented to them.
Fans of Delhi Capitals will be eagerly waiting for the first game against Lucknow Super Giants on April 1 and will be hoping that the local players can step up in the absence of the foreign pace quartet and Pant.
