Delhi Capitals had a disappointing run in the previous season, finishing at ninth place in the points table with five wins in 14 matches. The Capitals will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Punjab Kings at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh on Saturday.

The Capitals will certainly be boosted by the return of Rishabh Pant. The wicket-keeper bat will be the cynosure of all eyes as he is all set to make his much-awaited comeback after his horrific car accident. Pant has been declared fit by the BCCI medical team to take the gloves for DC and he will also lead the franchise.

What are DC’s strengths? – Their top order. When you have David Warner, Prithvi Shaw, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, and Tristan Stubbs as their top five batters, you could be a nightmare for the opposition if you get going. Furthermore, they have Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel as their lead spinners and thus they have an eight-over bank in both of them.

Moreover, they have a good mix of overseas and Indian fast bowlers. They have Jhye Richardson, Anrich Nortje, Mukesh Kumar, Ishant Sharma, and Khaleel Ahmed.

Weaknesses: DC don’t have a power-hitter in their squad, who can add the finishing touches to their innings. Lalit Yadav and Axar Patel will be expected to deliver for the team.

Delhi Capitals Predicted XI: Prithvi Shaw, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Rishabh Pant, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, Lalit Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Mukesh Kumar, Anrich Nortje, Khaleel Ahmed.

Squad: Rishabh Pant, Tristan Stubbs, Abishek Porel, Kumar Kushagra, Ricky Bhui, Shai Hope, Prithvi Shaw, Harry Brook, Yash Dhull, Swastik Chikara, David Warner, Pravin Dubey, Axar Patel, Mitchell Marsh, Lalit Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Sumit Kumar, Anrich Nortje, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Kuldeep Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Jhye Richardson, Rasikh Salem