Aakash Chopra Names Five Players Who Delhi Capitals Could Retain If There Is A Mega-Auction

Former India cricketer, Aakash Chopra has revealed the names of five players who he believes should be retained by the Delhi Capitals if there is a mega auction ahead of IPL 2021. In the previous mega auction three seasons ago, teams were allowed to retain three players, and use right-to-match cards for two players – a maximum of two overseas out of five players.

Delhi Capitals reached their maiden IPL final, but never looked favourites against a formidable Mumbai Indians. The Shreyas Iyer led outfit won seven of their first nine matches and slumped to a four-match losing streak. They defeated Bangalore and Hyderabad and made it into the finals, where they lost to Rohit Sharma’s team for the fourth time in the season.

I will prefer Marcus Stoinis over Anrich Nortje: Aakash Chopra

In a video uploaded on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra pointed out there was no uncapped player worthy of being retained. He started with opener, Shikhar Dhawan, captain Shreyas Iyer, and wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant as his first three retentions. Chopra said that though Pant didn’t have a good season, he will surely be retained.

Dhawan was the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament and Iyer was the fourth-highest. Pant could manage only one half-century- that he recorded in the final. However, more than his lack of runs, it was Pant’s strike rate of 113, which was concerning.

In his YouTube video, Aakash Chopra said, “If they have to retain 5 players, 3 Indians and 2 overseas, they don’t have an uncapped player whom they will think of retaining.

I would say Shikhar Dhawan, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant as the three Indians although Rishabh Pant did not have a good year but I will definitely retain him and I am pretty sure that the Delhi Capitals will also do that.

For two overseas players, Aakash Chopra opined that Kagiso Rabada would be an unquestionable choice. For the second overseas player, the commentator chooses Marcus Stoinis over Anrich Nortje. The Australian contributed to the team with both bat and ball and was arguably the best all-rounder of the season. Chopra says DC could look to buy back Nortje in the auction.

The 43-year-old understands that the Capitals would have to let go of some outstanding players like Ravichandran Ashwin, Prithvi Shaw, and Axar Patel.

“If I have to retain two overseas players, I will be keen to retain Marcus Stoinis and Kagiso Rabada. There could be a toss-up between Marcus Stoinis and Anrich Nortje but I will go with Marcus and try to buy back Nortje in the auction.

“The others will have to go. They will be a little sad about players like Prithvi Shaw, Ashwin and Axar Patel as they are two or three players they may want to keep in the team but I don’t think it will be possible to keep all of them,” Aakash Chopra added.

Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav Reveals The Advice That Rohit Sharma Gave Him After His Snub From Indian Team