IPL 2023: Three players DC could’ve picked instead of Rilee Rossouw

Delhi Capitals was not at their best in the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League. They stuttered at crucial junctures of the competition and ended the league stage at the fifth position with seven wins in 14 games. Despite a disappointing campaign, the team management backed the majority of their players to come good in the following season and parted ways with only five cricketers.

At the IPL 2023 auction, Delhi Capitals added the likes of Rilee Rossouw, Mukesh Kumar, Phil Salt, Ishant Sharma, and Manish Pandey to their repertoire. Though most of the signings were good, one could argue whether acquiring Rossouw was a smart move.

Delhi Capitals did not have many gun multi-faceted players in their ranks and so, signing someone who brings only one skill set to the table might not be a wise decision. There were certain quality all-rounders who went under the hammer at the auction and the Delhi franchise could have signed any of them.

Here are three players DC could’ve picked instead of Rilee Rossouw

3. Dasun Shanaka

Dasun Shanaka has been a proven performer in the T20 circuit. The 31-year-old has featured in 176 matches in the shortest format and has amassed 3649 runs at an impressive strike rate of 142.65. Also, the Negombo-born has picked up 53 wickets at an economy of 8.72.

Shanaka has shown his all-round prowess for Sri Lanka as well. The ace all-rounder has played the role of a finisher to perfection and smashed 1328 runs in 85 T20Is at a strike rate of 121.83. He has been a wily customer with the ball and has bagged 23 scalps in those outings.

Shanaka, with his ability to contribute in both departments, brings balance to the side. Therefore, Delhi Capitals, who did not possess many seam-bowling all-rounders in their arsenal, could have acquired him at the IPL 2023 auction. But the team management did not take that route and picked a batter in Rossouw at the marquee event.