Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) is probably the only time in the history of IPL which has constantly been under-performing, season after season; let’s look into its not-so-impressive sojourn from 2008.

IPL-13 is to kick-start this Saturday (19th Sep.) wherein last year’s finalists MI and CSK would lock horns.  2008’s inaugural IPL had Delhi boasting huge names such as Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, AB de Villiers, Kevin Peterson, etc. in its ranks.  However, ironically enough, the renamed Delhi Capitals remains the only team which has never made the finals all these years.

DC has regularly lost big names (such as Andre Russel and David Warner) during pre-tournament auctions who have been shining for other teams.  The loss meant that DC finished last on most occasions (2011, 2013, 2014 & 2018) and failed to make the play-off stage for six years from 2013-2018.

Defeats galore

DC holds the notorious record of most defeats (98), worst winning percentage (43.50%), most successive defeats (11) and most losses in a season (13-2013). Unlike other teams which excel in ‘home’ grounds, DC has repeated lost in Feroze Shah Kotla, its own den (lost 38 and won 31 in 70 matches).

Young captain

DC has so far had as many as 11 captains in 12 years but its fortunes remain the same. Last year, Shreyas Iyer took over and performed admirably. DC has always been plagued by change of franchisee, change of its name, change of captain, etc. After things got settled down to some extent, it qualified for the play-off stage for the first time in 2019.

Stars should perform

DC’s fans hope that the team would put up an improved performance this year. Team India’s Ajinkhya Rahane has added further to the DC’s batting strength comprising Shikhar Dhawan, Rishabh Pant and Iyer.  It won’t be an under-statement to say that inclusion of R. Ashwin (who captained KXIP last year) has bolstered DC’s bowling to a huge extent.

Ponting effect

Australia’s former World Cup-winning captain Ricky Ponting, who coaches DC this season, would certainly help DC put up an improved performance.  Finally, DC appears to have enough fire-power in it to turn the dreams and aspirations of its franchisee and millions of fans into reality by winning its maiden IPL title!

DC Matches