(Credit IPL)
According to ex-Kolkata Knight Riders player Aakash Chopra, it’s unlikely that the Delhi Capitals will hold onto their ex-captain, David Warner, for the 2025 auction.
After Kolkata Knight Riders claimed their third title in IPL 2024, all franchises are gearing up to strategize for the 2025 edition. This includes the Delhi Capitals, who finished 6th in the points table this season. DC will prioritize determining their retentions and identifying targets for the upcoming Mega Auction.
The IPL 2024 season for Delhi Capitals was characterized by a mix of unremarkable moments and noteworthy events.
Despite failing to secure a top-four finish, the Delhi Capitals had numerous encouraging developments during the season. Foremost among these was the appointment of Rishabh Pant as the full-time captain, marking a significant shift in leadership. Additionally, the emergence of talents like Jake Fraser-McGurk showcased the team’s depth and potential. Another notable aspect was the strong performance of the Indian players, who outshone their foreign counterparts. Players such as Pant, Kuldeep Yadav, Tristan Stubbs, Axar Patel, and Khaleel Ahmed demonstrated their capability and strengthened their position as integral members of the team.
Aakash Chopra believes that David Warner’s tenure with the Delhi Capitals has come to an end.
In discussions regarding Delhi Capitals’ retention strategy, Aakash Chopra made a definitive statement regarding David Warner’s future with the franchise. Warner was acquired by DC during the 2022 Mega Auction for 6.25 Crores, marking his return to the team since 2013. Despite a promising comeback season where he amassed 432 runs in 12 matches, Delhi fell short of reaching the playoffs. In 2023, Warner assumed captaincy in the absence of Rishabh Pant, leading the team to a bottom-half finish while emerging as the top run-scorer with 516 runs.
However, in IPL 2024, Warner struggled to make an impact, featuring in the playing XI only 8 times and scoring 168 runs due to inconsistent form. At 37 years old, Chopra believes Warner’s time with Delhi has reached its conclusion, considering his declining performance and advancing age.
Chopra also addressed the underwhelming performance of Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, known for his aggressive style of play. Despite high expectations, Marsh failed to deliver anything significant during his three-year tenure with Delhi Capitals. This season, Marsh departed midway due to a hamstring injury, further complicating his future with the franchise. Chopra opines that Marsh’s inability to complete a full season despite his potential makes him unlikely to feature in Delhi Capitals’ future plans.
“The Australian investment is not working, whether it is David Warner or Mitchell Marsh. I don’t remember a single season Mitchell Marsh played fully and did well. He can do well but doesn’t play a full season. I think David Warner is done. You might not want to retain him. Forget Jhye Richardson, he won’t even come into their thoughts.” – Aakash Chopra said in his YT video.
