Former Australian batter Simon Katich reckons David Warner needs to prove his mettle as a batter for Delhi Capitals in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2024 to strengthen his Australia’s selection chances for the T20 World Cup 2024.

Warner was the highest run-getter for the Delhi Capitals in the previous season as he scored 516 runs in 14 matches at an average of 36.86 and a strike rate of 131.63.

Warner is one of the consistent performers in IPL history as he has amassed 6397 runs in 172 IPL matches at an average of 41.54 and a strike rate of 139.92.

“His last couple of years in the IPL, I think it was like two years ago, with the Sunrisers where he got dropped, and that obviously had an impact and then he moved to Delhi. He probably has not been at his run-scoring best there compared to when he was at the peak of his power,” Katich said on ESPN’s Around the Wicket.

“I think with Travis Head emerging and Mitchell Marsh at the top of the order, and I think Josh Inglis emerged on that recent tour of India last year where he got that hundred. Matthew Wade has done a good job in the finishing role, and we also know that Tim David is in there, Maxwell is in career-best form. So, there is going to be a little squeeze in there. So, I think Warner needs to have a good IPL. I still think he will go to that World Cup, but I would not say that he is a shoo-in at this point of time,” Katich added.

Katich reckons Warner’s form will determine his place in Australia’s final XI in the T20 World Cup.

“I think it is going to come down to form. I know he has done well recently against the West Indies, but the conditions in the T20 World Cup will be completely different,” Katich said

Warner has all the experience under his belt and he will look to prove his mettle in the upcoming IPL. Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Punjab Kings at Mohali on March 23.