IPL 2021: Aakash Chopra elects his Delhi Capitals starting XI

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has selected Delhi Capitals' ideal playing eleven for the upcoming IPL 2021 season. The Delhi Capitals franchise has struck a big blow ahead of the 2021 edition as their regular captain Shreyas Iyer was ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury. Instead of Iyer, 23-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant will don the captain's hat. The upcoming 14th season will mark Rishabh Pant's debut as IPL captain. Rishabh Pant has led Delhi's state team in the past as well. Shreyas Iyer & Co were the runners-up in IPL 2020 as they lost to Mumbai Indians by five wickets.

Picking his ideal playing XI, Chopra believes that Shikhar Dhawan and 21-year-old Prithvi Shaw should open the innings for the Delhi Capitals. He further reckoned that Ajinkya Rahane should come to bat at No.3. According to Chopra, captain Rishabh Pant should walk in to bat at No.4, followed by the explosive batsman Shimron Hetmyer and Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. The 43-year-old also stated that this batting line-up is a very decent one.

Axar Patel's absence might be a matter of concern for the franchise: Aakash Chopra

Chopra pointed out that Patel's absence for the first few games of the season could hinder the team's balance. The Indian all-rounder recently tested positive for COVID-19. He is currently in isolation according to the regulations set by the BCCI. Chopra opines that Amit Mishra can partner Ravichandran Ashwin in the spin department until Axar Patel is available. The successful pair of Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada, along with a seasoned Indian pacer in the form of Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav, accomplishes Aakash Chopra's ideal Delhi Capitals XI.

Proteas players Nortje and Rabada might not be available for the first match as they will be serving their mandatory quarantine period. Delhi Capitals could then think of roping in Chris Woakes and Tom Curran against the CSK in such a scenario. Delhi will begin its IPL 2021 campaign against Chennai on April 10, 2021. The IPL 2021 is going to commence on April 9. Royal Challengers Bangalore will face Mumbai Indians in the tournament opener.

Aakash Chopra's predicted playing XI

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

READ MORE Cricket articles here!