IPL 2021: Predicting opening pairs of all 8 teams ahead of the season

2. DC: Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw

Delhi Capitals performed brilliantly last season when they reached the IPL final for the very first time. They lost to Mumbai Indians in the final but would like to go one better this season. Opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan was in stellar form for them as he aggregated 618 runs, second-most by any player in IPL 2020. He hit 2 consecutive hundreds in the season and became the first-ever player to achieve the milestone. Shikhar will be a vital part of Delhi’s top order for their campaign this year as well. 

Prithvi Shaw who is in magnificent form currently is very much expected to pair with Dhawan at the top. He recently hit an explosive double century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Pondicherry. He was dropped from the Delhi Capitals’ playing XI in the last few matches due to terrible form but is likely to return back this season.

Delhi also tried Ajinkya Rahane and Marcus Stoinis for the opener’s role in 2020. While Rahane’s stint was not so fruitful, Stoinis did impress in his short stint. Since the Australian all-rounder did well in the finishing role as well, he is likely to continue it this year too.