IPL 2021: Aakash Chopra picks his ideal Delhi Capitals' playing XI

The Delhi Capitals side was struck a big blow ahead of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as their regular skipper Shreyas Iyer was ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury. Instead of Iyer, 23-year-old wicketkeeper and batting sensation, Rishabh Pant will don the skipper’s hat.

And now, cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra has picked his ideal playing XI for the Delhi Capitals for the 2021 IPL edition. Chopra felt that Shikhar Dhawan and 21-year-old Prithvi Shaw should open the batting for the Delhi outfit. Chopra also opined that Ajinkya Rahane should occupy the No.3 slot.

According to Chopra, skipper Rishabh Pant should walk in at No.4, followed by the explosive Shimron Hetmyer and Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. The 43-year-old also stated that this batting lineup is a very decent one.

“Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw to open. At three, I want to play Ajinkya Rahane because if Rahane is at three then you can play both Shimron Hetmyer and Marcus Stoinis. So Rahane at three, Pant at four, and Hetmyer and Stoinis at No.5 and No.6. This looks like a very decent top-six to me,” said Chopra on his YouTube channel.

Aakash Chopra picks Delhi Capitals’ bowling attack

Adding that the Delhi outfit might face a few problems early on, Chopra said that Delhi would have wanted Axar Patel to bat at No.7. The former Indian opener said that if Ravichandran Ashwin bats at No.7, the batting might be a little short. In the pace bowling department, Chopra wanted Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada to start for the Capitals. Chopra concluded by stating that one out of Ishant Sharma or Umesh Yadav can be picked.

“There could be a few problems in the initial matches because you would have wanted Axar at No.7. If you put Ashwin at No.7, you will feel the batting is a little short. So, in the first couple of games, they might be struggling to find the right balance. But after that you play Ashwin and Axar, you can play Mishra also along with Ashwin. Then you have got Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, and play one out of Ishant and Umesh and your team is complete,” concluded Chopra.

The Delhi Capitals will play their first encounter of IPL 2021 against the Chennai Super Kings on 10th April 2021.

Aakash Chopra’s predicted playing XI

Shikhar Dhawan, Prithvi Shaw, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Shimron Hetmyer, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel/Amit Mishra, Ravichandran Ashwin, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma/Umesh Yadav.