Aakash Chopra has commented on Delhi Capitals’ retention options. However, he believes the team may not prioritize retaining veteran opener David Warner.

Delhi Capitals finished sixth in IPL 2024, accumulating 14 points from 14 matches. During the recent campaign, their star batter David Warner was sidelined by a finger injury, managing only 168 runs at a dismal average of 21.00 across 8 games.

The former batter suggested that the Delhi Capitals may opt not to retain Australian players David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, and Jhye Richardson for the upcoming season.

“The investment in David Warner and Mitchell Marsh has not paid off. Marsh has struggled to play a full, productive season, and Warner’s best days appear to be behind him. It’s doubtful the team will retain Warner going forward. As for Jhye Richardson, he is unlikely to be retained as well,” he stated.

Chopra opined Rishabh Pant and Jake Fraser-McGurk as the first two players to be retained by the IPL 2020 finalists.

“Rishabh Pant should be the team’s first retention because he is an irreplaceable captain and Delhi cannot afford to lose him. Jake Fraser-McGurk is another player they will want to retain due to his impressive batting abilities,” he continued.

The former India opener then named Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav as the next 2 players to be retained by DC.

“It is crucial that you retain both Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel. In fact, you should 100% keep these four players – Rishabh Pant, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel. Finding another player with Kuldeep Yadav’s skill set will be extremely difficult. Similarly, you have utilized Axar Patel’s abilities effectively, and it will be challenging to replace him. Therefore, it is in your best interest to hold on to these invaluable assets,” he further remarked.

“I’m considering Tristan Stubbs as my fifth player, as he has been batting at a challenging position. If possible, I’d like to retain him using the ‘Right to Match’ card. Similarly, I’m keen to keep Khaleel Ahmed and will do it through the ‘Right to Match’ card as well,” he concluded.

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