IPL 2022: Strongest Predicted Playing 11 for Delhi Capitals (DC)

A solid starting 11, the focus as we look at the strongest predicted playing 11 for Delhi Capitals (DC) for IPL 2022.

When the IPL 2022 Mega Auction was going on, Delhi Capitals must have raised the hammer at almost each and every player’s bidding. While they chickened out from a few players after raising bids, on most of the occasions, they got really good players in their kitty at a cost-effective price. 

Overall, Delhi Capitals felt the most sorted and efficient franchise at the Auction. Except for Shardul Thakur’s bid, which went above INR 10 Cr, almost all their buys felt well within the budget with a few bargain ones. The likes of David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Mustafizur Rahman were all bargain buys. 

With a successful Auction, Delhi Capitals now have a strong squad on paper, but their strongest predicted playing 11 seems stronger. So, with the kind of squad Delhi Capitals have, what could be their strongest predicted playing 11 for IPL 2022? Let’s find out in this article. Before that, let’s skim through the final squad for Delhi Capitals post IPL 2022 Mega Auction.

Please note, the playing 11 is selected keeping 4-5 batters, minimum 2 all-rounders, 1 wicket-keeper, and minimum 3 pacers in mind. 

IPL 2022 Final Squad for Delhi Capitals (DC):

Batters and WKs: Ashwin Hebbar, David Warner, Mandeep Singh, Prithvi Shaw, Sarfaraz Khan, KS Bharat (WK), Rishabh Pant (C&WK) & Tim Seifert (WK)

All-rounders: Axar Patel, Lalit Yadav, Mitchell Marsh, Ripal Patel, Rovman Powell & Yash Dhull

Bowlers: Anrich Nortje, Chetan Sakariya, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Khaleel Ahmed, Lungi Ngidi, Mustafizur Rahman, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Pravin Dubey & Vicky Ostwal

Openers: David Warner & Prithvi Shaw

In IPL 2021, Delhi Capitals had seen a successful opening combination of Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw. While that combination was extremely successful, Delhi Capitals have now got a like-for-like replacement for Shikhar Dhawan in the form of David Warner. The opening duo of David Warner and Prithvi Shaw is a fantastic combination to have. Warner can be the one to build the innings, and Shaw can go berserk from ball one. 

Middle-order: Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (C&WK) & Sarfaraz Khan

The 2022 middle-order of Delhi Capitals seems slight feeble as compared to 2021. While 2021 had Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and Shimron Hetmyer in the middle-order, 2022 will see Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, and Sarfaraz Khan. Mitchell Marsh is actually a solid batter as seen from his recent WT20 and BBL performances. But it is the no 5 position that could be a tricky affair for Delhi Capitals.

While Sarfaraz Khan with his dynamic hitting ability seems the strongest bet at number 5, Delhi Capitals can also think of playing KS Bharat, Yash Dhull, Mandeep Singh, or Lalit Yadav for that position. Of the 5, Sarfaraz Khan seems a potential finisher. However, if Delhi Capitals play Rishabh Pant at 5, then KS Bharat, Mandeep Singh, or Yash Dhull at 3 can also be a good bet. 

All-rounders: Rovman Powell & Axar Patel

Coming to all-rounders, Delhi Capitals had Marcus Stoinis and Axar Patel as their first-choice all-rounders. But 2022 seems more dangerous with Rovman Powell replacing Marcus Stoinis. Not only Powell is a brilliant pace bowler but his hitting ability and power are one of the best in the world. He can be a perfect finisher for Delhi alongside Pant, Sarfaraz and Axar. 

Meanwhile, apart from Axar Patel and Rovman Powell, Delhi Capitals also have Mitchell Marsh as their third all-rounder. He may not bowl all his 4 overs, but can provide 1-3 overs as and when needed. This gives Delhi Capitals a solid 7 bowling options – making them one of the few teams to have this flexibility. 

Bowlers: Shardul Thakur, Chetan Sakariya, Kuldeep Yadav & Anrich Nortje

Talking about the bowlers, Delhi Capitals seems to be at par with their 2021 combination. While 2021 had Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Avesh Khan and Ravichandran Ashwin as pure bowlers, 2022 sees Anrich Nortje being supported by Shardul Thakur, Chetan Sakariya, and Kuldeep Yadav. It is a good combination to have with Chetan and Nortje operating mostly in the powerplay, and Shardul and Kuldeep operating mostly in the middle overs. 

Strongest Predicted Playing 11 for Delhi Capitals for IPL 2022:

David Warner, Prithvi Shaw, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant (C&WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Rovman Powell, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Chetan Sakariya, Kuldeep Yadav & Anrich Nortje 

So, that completes the strongest predicted playing 11 for Delhi Capitals for IPL 2022. While almost 7-8 player names are sorted, there could be a few changes depending on the pitch. So, barring the above-mentioned strongest predicted playing 11, Delhi Capitals can also try for the following combinations. 

Other Playing 11 Options for Delhi Capitals:

• Yash Dhull / KS Bharat / Mandeep Singh for Sarfaraz Khan at number 3 position. 
• Mustafizur Rahman / Lungi Ngidi for Rovman Powell and Lalit Yadav for Chetan Sakariya to bolster the bowling.
• Khaleel Ahmed for Kuldeep Yadav for pace-friendly conditions. 
• Vicky Ostwal for Chetan Sakariya for spin-friendly conditions 

Thanks for reading! What’s your playing 11 for Delhi Capitals for IPL 2022? Please email your thoughts to business@cricalytics.com

ALSO READ: IPL 2022: Final Squad List for all 10 Teams post Mega Auction

© AK4Tsay1 Cricalytics

Adesh Kothari

Adesh Kothari is the founder of AK4Tsay1 Cricalytics with over 20 years of experience following Cricket.

Cricket to him is like what Football is to Lionel Messi, Singing is to Lata Mangeshkar, Dancing is to Michael Jackson, and Acting is to Clint Eastwood.

Besides his effervescent love for Cricket, Adesh is an MBA by qualification.