I just hope Meg Lanning comes back to Delhi Capitals in right mind space: Abhinav Mukund

At the WPL Season 2 auctions held in December, Delhi Capitals spent Rs 2 crore on acquiring the services of young all-rounder Annabel Sutherland. The Aussie lends strength to the side that finished runners-up in 2023. JioCinema and Sports18 WPL experts Abhinav Mukund and Saba Karim analysed DC’s prospects in the forthcoming season. Excerpts:

Abhinav Mukund: “Delhi Capitals are a solid team. They have got two of the most promising young Indian players in Shafali Verma and Jemimah Rodrigues and also arguably the best international cricketer in Meg Lanning. Then, they have Marizanne Kapp and Alice Capsey. Add Annabel Sutherland to the mix now. All their bowlers are in form. Jess Jonassen is doing well, unfortunately she may have to sit out. So, it’s just a matter of how they fit in. The extraordinary leadership skills of Lanning also may come into play. I just hope that Lanning comes back to the Delhi Capitals in the right mind space. She took a personal break recently. She wanted an allrounder and that’s what she’s got now (in Sutherland).

Trying to figure out whom they will replace to accommodate Sutherland in the playing XI: Saba Karim

Saba Karim: “DC are a stronger team this time. They generally look for balance in their side. But this time, they entered into a bidding war for Annabel Sutherland and have a clear strategy in place. I am trying to figure out whom they will replace to accommodate Sutherland in the playing XI. She has a lot of talent and is young. But DC feel the conditions in which the matches will be played will help Sutherland excel. DC will be strong contenders and were unlucky not to cross the final hurdle last time.”