As we all know the IPL Season is never ending and so is our crazy fandom for our favourite teams. The IPL is a cricket league run by the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) and supported by the International Cricket Council (ICC). It started in April–June 2008 with eight teams representing different Indian cities, including Delhi. These teams were auctioned off in Mumbai on 20 February 2008. The GMR Group bought the Delhi team for US$84 million. In March 2018, GMR sold half of its stake in the Delhi Daredevils to JSW Sports for ₹550 crore (US$69 million).

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History of Delhi Capitals

In December 2018, the team changed its name from the Delhi Daredevils to the Delhi Capitals. Co-owner Parth Jindal said they chose “Delhi Capitals” because Delhi is the capital and power centre of the country. Co-owner Kiran Kumar Grandhi added that the new name represents Delhi’s identity, and they aim to be the main focus of action in the future.

Capitals have failed in the IPL, although they have started strongly. They also made the playoffs and finished third after completing the table at the end of the group stage in 2012, but finished last in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2018. In December 2018, the team renamed itself Delhi Capitals, a name change that seemed to bring a change of fortune as well – they reached the playoffs in 2019 and reached the finals for the first time in 2020 with a large number of young teams. In 2021, they entered the playoffs after reaching the top of the league table.

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Brief Introduction of Delhi Capitals

Although they have found stability in recent years, with the focus on youth, in retrospect some of the choices they made when they built their squadron might have hurt them. In 2008, they did not strongly pursue Virat Kohli, the logic being that they had in their ranks Virender Sehwag, Shikhar Dhawan, Gautam Gambhir, Tillakaratne Dilshan and AB de Villiers. After three years with the team, Gambhir was released in the 2010 season, with a great deal of performance and good leadership.

Of course, Kohli did not win the IPL at the Royal Challengers Bangalore but he played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore for two years as the best player, while Ggami led the Kolkata Knight Riders to two IPL championships. Over the years, Delhi has given up several players, including de Ville, Andrew Russell, Trent Burn, and recently Shreyas Iyer, Kagiso Rabbada, and Ash Khan.

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Delhi Capital Over the Years –

Delhi Capitals in IPL 2008:

Delhi had a strong start, winning their first two matches, and continued to perform well throughout the tournament, securing victories in seven out of 14 games, which allowed them to finish fourth on the points table. However, Rajasthan Royals, whom Delhi had defeated earlier in the season, maintained their momentum and defeated Delhi in the semi-final before clinching the title.

Delhi Capitals in Indian Premier League 2009:

During the group phase of the competition held in South Africa, Delhi emerged as the top-performing team. They secured victories in ten out of their first 14 games, leading the table as they entered the knockout stage. However, their journey came to an end in the semi-final when they were defeated by the eventual champions, Deccan Chargers.

Delhi Capitals Performance in IPL 2010:

Despite anticipating to capitalise on the momentum from their initial two seasons, Delhi faced a challenging journey. Although they started with victories in their first two games, they managed to win only five more matches throughout the season. This resulted in them being tied on points with three other teams, trailing behind Mumbai Indians and Deccan Chargers. However, their net run rate proved to be unfavourable, causing Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore to advance instead.

Delhi Capitals Performance in IPL 2011:

When everything went wrong for the first time. Pune Warriors India and Kochi Tuskers Kerala joined the IPL, forming the 10 teams, and the two new teams and Delhi formed the three lowest teams, with Delhi last.

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Delhi Capitals Performance in IPL 2012:

The top players like Sehwag, Pietersen, Jayawardene, Morkel, and Warner performed exceptionally well, and Delhi operated smoothly like a well-functioning machine. They finished at the top of the table by the end of the league stage. However, despite their strong performance, they faced disappointment once more. Losses to KKR and CSK led to their elimination from the tournament.

Delhi Capitals Performance in IPL 2013:

Delhi experienced one of its toughest periods, enduring three victories and 13 losses in total. Their first win occurred in the seventh game against Mumbai Indians. Following two consecutive wins, they suffered another streak of six consecutive defeats, concluding their campaign on a challenging note.

Delhi Capitals Performance in IPL 2014:

In yet another season, Delhi had a disappointing performance. After winning three and losing 13 matches in the previous year, this time, with the tournament returning to eight teams, they managed to win only two and lose 12. The two victories came in their first five games, which were played in the UAE. Unfortunately, Delhi concluded the tournament with a series of nine consecutive losses.

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Delhi Capitals Performance in IPL 2015 –

During this period, Delhi struggled to find success. Although their performance was slightly better than in 2014, they only managed to win five matches and lost eight. This placed them above Kings XI Punjab, another team known for consistently finishing in the bottom half of the table.

Delhi Capitals Performance in IPL 2016:

Delhi’s luck improved slightly as they climbed from the bottom of the ladder to one step higher. They secured seven wins but also faced seven defeats in the season. Quinton de Kock shone with 445 runs, while leg-spinner Amit Mishra and South African import Chris Morris collectively took 26 wickets.

Delhi Capitals Performance in IPL 2017:

Delhi maintained their position with another sixth-place finish, securing six wins and enduring eight losses this time. However, the performances of Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer, each scoring over 300 runs for the season, suggested that the foundation of a solid team was beginning to take shape.

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Delhi Capitals Performance in IPL 2018:

In December, the franchise underwent a significant rebranding and became the Delhi Capitals. The name change signified a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose for the team. They aimed to build a strong core team consisting of experienced internationals and promising Indian talents.

Delhi Capitals Performance in IPL 2019:

Under the leadership of Shreyas Iyer, the Delhi Capitals showed significant improvement in their performance. They qualified for the playoffs and reached the knockout stage after several years. The team’s batting lineup became more formidable, and the bowling unit grew in strength.

Delhi Capitals Performance in IPL 2020:

The Delhi Capitals continued their upward trajectory in the IPL. They maintained consistency throughout the tournament and secured a place in the playoffs. Despite facing tough competition, they showcased resilience and determination on the field.

Delhi Capitals Performance in IPL 2021:

Led by Rishabh Pant, the Delhi Capitals had another strong season in the IPL. They reached the tournament’s final for the first time in their history. Though they couldn’t clinch the title, their performance reflected a marked improvement from previous years.

Delhi Capitals Performance in IPL 2022:

The Delhi Capitals remained competitive in the IPL, aiming for another successful campaign.
They focused on building upon their strengths and addressing any weaknesses in their squad. The team continued to prioritise the development of young talent alongside experienced players.

Delhi Capitals Performance in IPL 2023:

In a decade, it was the worst team in the IPL finish for the Capitals. They were without Pant, who was injured in a car crash the previous December, and Kuldeep Yadav’s wicket-taking performance halved compared to the previous year. While Warner, the captain, scored 516 runs, no other player in the team came close. The Capitals struggled to bounce back after losing their first five matches consecutively.

Delhi Capitals Performance in IPL 2024 (ongoing):

As of 2024, the Delhi Capitals continue to strive for excellence in the IPL. With a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents, they aim to make a mark in the tournament. The franchise remains committed to its goal of bringing glory to the capital city and its passionate fans.

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Top players of Delhi Capital –

Virender Sehwag:

Sehwag, who played his last game for Delhi in 2013, held the top spot for the most runs scored for Delhi until 2020 when Iyer surpassed his total of 2174 runs. Sehwag led the team to the top four in the first two seasons. They also made it to the playoffs in 2012, where Sehwag played a crucial role by achieving the feat of hitting five consecutive half-centuries in a single T20 season, which was a remarkable achievement.

Shreyas Iyer:

Shreyas Iyer has been a standout performer for the Delhi Capitals, consistently delivering with the bat and providing stability in the middle order. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed has been crucial for the team’s success. As a former captain, he has showcased exemplary leadership skills, guiding the team with strategic decisions and leading by example.

Rishabh Pant:

Rishabh Pant is known for his explosive batting style and ability to score runs quickly. As a wicketkeeper-batsman, he adds depth to the batting lineup and can single-handedly change the course of a game with his aggressive stroke play. Pant’s performances behind the stumps and with the bat have been instrumental in several memorable victories for the Delhi Capitals.

Kagiso Rabada:

Kagiso Rabada is a world-class fast bowler whose pace and ability to swing the ball make him a lethal weapon for the Delhi Capitals. His knack for picking up crucial wickets, especially in the death overs, has been pivotal in restricting opposition teams and defending targets. Rabada’s consistency and skill make him one of the team’s most valuable players.

Marcus Stoinis:

Marcus Stoinis is an impactful all-rounder who provides balance to the Delhi Capitals’ squad. With his aggressive batting and handy medium-pace bowling, Stoinis contributes to multiple facets of the game. He can turn the tide of the match with his power-hitting and has often delivered in pressure situations.

Axar Patel:

Axar Patel is a reliable left-arm spinner known for his accuracy and ability to contain runs in the middle overs. His tight bowling and knack for picking up crucial breakthroughs have been crucial for the Delhi Capitals. Additionally, Patel’s contributions with the bat lower the order have often proved valuable in setting or chasing targets.

Prithvi Shaw:

Prithvi Shaw is a talented young opener known for his aggressive batting style and ability to dominate the opposition bowling attack. His explosive starts at the top of the order provide momentum to the team and set the tone for the innings. Shaw’s ability to score runs quickly makes him a key player for the Delhi Capitals in the powerplay overs.

Amit Mishra:

Amit Mishra is a seasoned leg-spinner with a wealth of experience in the Indian Premier League. His variations and ability to deceive batsmen with flight and turn make him a potent threat on spinning tracks. Mishra has been among the highest wicket-takers for the Delhi Capitals and has often delivered crucial breakthroughs during critical junctures of the game.

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FAQ Related to Delhi Capitals

1- Who owns Delhi Capitals?

The Delhi Capitals franchise is jointly owned by the GMR Group and the JSW Group.

2- Where do Delhi Capitals play their home matches?

Delhi Capitals play their home matches at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, formerly known as Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, in New Delhi.

3- Who is the captain of Delhi Capitals?

As of the latest information available, the captain of Delhi Capitals is David Warner.

4- Who are the key players in Delhi Capitals?

Some key players in Delhi Capitals include Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Kagiso Rabada, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Prithvi Shaw, and Amit Mishra.

5- What are Delhi Capitals’ achievements in the IPL?

Delhi Capitals have consistently been a competitive team in the IPL. They have reached the playoffs several times and made it to the final of the IPL in 2020.

6- How can I buy tickets for Delhi Capitals’ matches?

Tickets for Delhi Capitals’ matches can be purchased online through various ticketing platforms or at the venue’s ticket counters on match days.

7- What are the official website and social media handles of Delhi Capitals?

The official website of Delhi Capitals is www.delhicapitals.in. They can also be followed on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest updates and news.