‘He is absolutely brilliant’ - Aakash Chopra heaps praise on Anrich Nortje ahead of IPL 2023

With the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 scheduled to begin March 31, one of the most popular franchises, Delhi Capitals, will be among many in their search for their first IPL title. Apart from an excellent batting attack, DC's real strength is in their bowling lineup. With the likes of Kuldeep Yadav, Lungi Ngidi, Khaleel Ahmed, Chetan Sakariya, and many more, the Delhi-based side looks all set in the bowling department.

Recently, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra came forward to give his take on DC’s bowling attack and heaped praise on pacer Anrich Nortje as well.

"The bowling looks formidable. There is no weakness in bowling. They have Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, who bowled amazingly well last time, picked up a lot of wickets, and he was absolutely brilliant," Aakash Chopra said on the Aakashvani show on Jiocinema.

"Anrich Nortje—fit, available, and raring to go. Then Mustafizur Rahman, Lungi Ngidi, Chetan Sakariya, Khaleel Ahmed, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Mukesh Kumar, and Ishant Sharma They also have Pravin Dubey, Vicky Ostwal, and Aman Khan. This team will not have a problem with bowlers," he said further.

"They used to have Shardul, they let him go. Now that Anrich Nortje is fit, available, and raring to go, it's incredible. He is my favourite T20 bowler after Jasprit Bumrah. He is absolutely brilliant," he added.

DC will be without the services of skipper Rishabh Pant

Despite having a fabulous line-up, DC face a major setback as they will be without regular skipper Rishabh Pant, who was in a car accident in December 2022, which has rendered him out of contention for most of 2023.

Ace Australian batter David Warner will be leading DC in Pant’s absence, they take on the KL Rahul-led Lucknow Super Giants in their first match of the competition. It could be interesting to see how DC fares in Pant's absence and under Warner's leadership.