<p>After years of underperforming, the Delhi Capitals have transformed into a formidable outfit under the tutelage of Ricky Ponting! With two consecutive playoff finishes, the Capitals look to go one better this time out. But how viable are the Delhi Capitals as a genuine contender in the absence of regular captain Shreyas Iyer? Let's find out in the DC Sixer Team Preview!</p>
Delhi Capitals, who were formerly known as the Daredevils, are an intriguing aspect of the IPL. They have always managed to enthral audiences, although the IPL trophy eludes them to this point. However, Ricky Ponting's appointment as Head Coach has seen them finish 3rd in 2019 and 2nd in 2020. If the pattern is to be followed, Delhi are into finish first. But it isn't always like this in cricket, is it? With Shreyas Iyer being ruled out, the onus falls on the young yet able shoulders of Rishabh Pant, who is having a great year in international cricket. But can the southpaw lead DC to an elusive IPL Trophy is the question that's on everyone's minds. Before we jump into the Sixer personnel, here's how the team shapes up.Team Insight: Delhi Capitals were impressive in the recently concluded IPL Auction with Umesh Yadav and Tom Curran adding bowling depth. Although Iyer's injury is a big blow, the addition of Steve Smith at a potential bargain makes up for it. They are well-equipped in all three departments and will look to make good use of their depth with a long and tough season ahead. Although they would miss Nortje, Axar and Rabada initially, all three of them returning to the side might well coincide with them peaking in the competition itself.Strongest Possible XI*: Dhawan, Shaw, Rahane, Pant (c,wk), Hetmyer, Stoinis, Axar, Rabada, Ashwin, Nortje and UmeshPlayers to Watch Out For:Rishabh Pant (55.80 Sixer Coins): It's been a great few months in Rishabh Pant's career. Right from the Gabba to Pune, Pant has shown composure beyond his age, which has earned him the DC captaincy as well. Pant comes into this IPL in some good form. With five 50+ match scores in six matches and a 12.76% increase in his last four games, Pant is on fire in the Sixer Market! Can he sustain it? Your guess is as good as ours!Shikhar Dhawan (54.30 Sixer Coins): Shikhar Dhawan has been Delhi's most prolific batsman over the last two years. In addition, Dhawan had a brilliant season last time around as he finished with over 500 runs. He even scored two centuries in consecutive games, also two 150 match scores, which hold him in good stead. With the T20 WC coming up later this year, Dhawan will want to smash his way back into the reckoning. And if he does, 54.30 Sixer Coins would seem like a bargain!Kagiso Rabada (55.90 Sixer Coins): Who else but Kagiso Rabada? The South African has arguably been one of the most prolific bowlers in IPL cricket over the last two years. His tally of 30 wickets pipped Bumrah's 28, although the latter will come back hard this time around. However, Rabada hasn't been in the best of forms with his price at 55.90 Sixer Coins. But this only opens up opportunities for potential trades, and if Rabada were to repeat his antics from last year, his stocks are bound to be in demand!Steve Smith (60.10 Sixer Coins): Not many would have expected Smith to be released by Rajasthan, but now that he is in the Blue of Delhi, big things are expected. Although Smith hasn't been a very prolific run-scorer in the IPL, he comes into this season on a good run of form. His price is up by 17.80% in his last four games, although it isn't his form rather his utility in the side. With Rahane and possibly Hetmyer also in the running, it has to be seen if Smith will get a go under Pant. If he does, watch out for him in the Sixer Market!A team that can afford to bench both Steve Smith and possibly Ajinkya Rahane is by no means a pushover. In fact, they can insert themselves into the title conversation right away. But can Pant and co-deliver on all the potential and promise this year? Only time will tell!* - This is the author's opinion and has nothing to do with Sixer. The side may or may not be the final XI
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