IPL 2021 team preview | Delhi Capitals eager to curve their redemption arc towards glory

Having finished third (2019) and second (2020) after six years of missing the playoffs, Delhi looks to take the ultimate step up — without captain Shreyas

Over the last two seasons, Delhi Capitals has seemed firmly on the redemption course. After failing to make the playoffs for six successive editions, Capitals finished in the top three in 2019 and reached the final in 2020. This year, too, Capitals begin as favourites to make the playoffs. Even without injured captain Shreyas Iyer — and with all-rounder Axar Patel set to miss the start of the tournament after testing positive for COVID-19 — Capitals have the bench-strength to get past the league stage. Under new skipper Rishabh Pant, on a high in the last four months, Capitals boast of the much sought-after ‘balance’ of a formidable playing XI. For Pant, much has happened since the last edition of the IPL. The flamboyant youngster’s place in the national squad, in all formats, stands cemented and he has brought about noticeable improvement in his wicketkeeping skills.