IPL 2021: Australian fast-bowler Ben Dwarshuis replaces Chris Woakes in Delhi Capitals squad

Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Delhi Capitals (DC) have announced that English all-rounder Chris Woakes will be replaced by Australian fast bowler Ben Dwarshuis in the squad for the remainder of the 2021 season. Woakes accounted for five wickets in three matches in the first half of IPL 2021, but has opted to pull out of the tournament due to personal reasons. Dwarshuis has scalped 100 wickets in 82 T20 matches at an average of 23.73. The 27-year-old plays for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League (BBL). Dwarshuis is the sixth-highest wicket-taker in the history of the tournament with 85 wickets in 69 matches.

Delhi Capitals might face a strong challenge from Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals’ Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara has indicated that the team will look to dominate matches during the second half of IPL 2021, which could see them pose a strong challenge to the Delhi-based franchise.

“What I want to see from them (RR players) is their best efforts – competing as hard and for as long as possible to create opportunities to take games by the scruff of their neck and win them – that’s the real key. If one player can win us the odd game here and there, different players become those match-winners in different games, and that’s really what you’re looking for in terms of formulating a side winning,” said Sangakkara as quoted by Royals’ official website.

The Sri Lankan legend discussed the first phase of IPL 2021, terming it as a period that had both positives and negatives for the team.

“The first phase of the season had both positives and negatives for our team. It was a bit of a mixed bag with some injuries and pull-outs, but those are very understandable situations where you must support the players. After that, we were left in a different place to where we had envisioned ourselves after a great Auction earlier this year. But I was glad to see other players stepping up and filling in the roles that were required of them and playing to their own strengths to help the team,” said Sangakkara.

“We started off with a great game against Kings, then we beat Delhi and finished the phase with probably our best all-round performance which came against SRH. It was a good way to finish the phase but was tough on the players because they had worked so hard to be in that position. However, the guys showed a lot of character, patience, and understanding in that environment where it was quite a tough period with what was happening in India and around the world due to COVID. I think it was a great test for everyone involved with the franchise, and I was very impressed with all the players and the management because they all had tough jobs, but their focus was immense,” he added.

“I was particularly impressed with JD (Jaydev Unadkat)”

Sangakkara hailed the performances of Jaydev Unadkat during the first phase of IPL 2021.

“Earlier this year, I was particularly impressed with JD (Jaydev Unadkat), because we all know that he has gone through some difficult phases in his career but I think he really stepped up during the first phase of IPL 2021. His bowling was outstanding, and that just goes to show that you can come back from a setback and start doing well if you put in the work. I know we have a really good squad again which gives us the chance of going with various combinations. I’m also really excited to see what our younger players can bring to the table,” concluded the Sri Lankan legend.