IPL 2020 Auction: 3 areas of concern for DC and who they should target

One of the few teams that boast of a strong core of Indian players ahead of the upcoming IPL 2020 player auctions on 19 December in Kolkata, the Delhi Capitals could be expected to hand a few big contracts to foreign players.

Having made big acquisitions in Ravichandran Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane during the trade window, the Capitals did well to add a lot of experience to their squad but also opted to let go of three foreign players in Chris Morris, Colin Munro, and Colin Ingram.

With India internationals, Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant and Rahane forming a major chunk of the batting unit, Ashwin and Ishant Sharma will combine to lead the bowling unit at the Capitals.

Add the experience of Harshal Patel, Axar Patel and Amit Mishra to the mix, DC will have plenty of options to choose from, while Kagiso Rabada, Keemo Paul and young leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane will also bring in a lot of variety.

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Yet, while it appears as if DC have all their bases covered, they will need to plug a few gaps in their squad, and in this article, we have a look at the areas they will need to target, and the players who could be drafted into the Capitals squad from the IPL 2020 auction.

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#3 Backup pacers

Who will partner Kagiso Rabada with the new ball?

The Delhi Capitals have two quality pacers in Kagiso Rabada and Ishant Sharma in their ranks, while Harshal Patel's ability to hit the right and length along with changes in pace make him a valuable asset of the bowling unit as well.

However, while Rabada was in top form last season, neither Ishant nor Harshal Patel could make a telling impact, and with Kiwi Trent Boult traded off to the Mumbai Indians, DC will want to sign a backup in case either Rabada or Ishant miss out on a few games.

Among the foreign options, Sheldon Cottrell's recent form against India makes a compelling case for his selection, while Australia's Daniel Sams could also be a handy option with both pacers bringing in some variety.

Among the Indian pacers, DC could be expected to make a bid for young Ishan Porel, or could also target experience in the form of Mohit Sharma.

#2 Bowling all-rounders

Chris Morris

Yet another option for the Delhi Capitals will be to sign a quality bowling all-rounder, someone who can partner Kagiso Rabada with the ball and also use the long handle to good effect.

Chris Morris was expected to play the same role last season, but given his slightly expensive returns with the ball and below-par show with the bat, the South African was released into the auction pool.

With Ashwin providing the experience in the lower middle order, DC could look towards the likes of Sam Curran or Carlos Brathwaite to fill in the bowling all-rounders' spot in the playing XI, while the return of Morris for a decent sum of money cannot be ruled out.

Watch out for the Australian trio of James Faulkner, Pat Cummins, and Ben Cutting as well, with the burly all-rounders more than capable of producing the big hits and contributing with the ball as well.

While one might argue that Keemo Paul could be a good fit in this role, he did not have the 'X-factor' with the ball in hand, and DC might want to invest in a seam-bowling all-rounder who can trouble the batsmen early on and in the death overs as well.

#3 Foreign batsmen / Backup wicket-keeper

Glenn Maxwell

With Dhawan, Shaw, Rahane, and Iyer forming the top four, DC might want to bring in a specialist batsman or a floater to give the side some impetus in the middle overs or towards the death. Ideally, a big-hitter who can partner Rishabh Pant to provide the final flourish.

Glenn Maxwell could be the perfect fit for this role, with the Australian big-hitter capable of producing match-winning knocks with some quality fireworks. Marcus Stoinis could also be a good option for DC to consider, with the all-rounder playing the same role at RCB last season and for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League as well.

As for the backup wicket-keeper, a couple of exciting uncapped Indian youngsters such as Prabhsimran Singh, KS Bharat among others are available, but DC might want to look for an overseas option who can play the role of a finisher if Pant is unavailable.

Ben McDermott and Alex Carey have essayed similar roles in the Australian circuit and could be the frontrunners to land the overseas keepers' spot in the DC squad.