Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra said that Delhi Capitals made some interesting choices in the recent IPL 2024 mini-auction. While the Capitals decided to release hard-hitting batter Rovman Powell, they acquired the services of Shai Hope in the auction.
Hope is not known for his strike rate as he has scored 493 runs in 26 T20I matches at an average of 22.41 and a strike rate of 124.49.
On the other hand, Powell had failed to deliver the goods for Delhi Capitals in the previous season. Powell has scored 257 runs in 17 IPL matches at an average of 19.77 and a strike rate of 146.02.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube Channel, “They have made some interesting changes. They let Rovman Powell go but they have taken Shai Hope. What are Delhi thinking? I see Shai Hope as an extremely interesting choice.”
The renowned commentator said Delhi decided to release everyone who they played in the previous season.
“Firstly, they did an interesting job at the time of release. They released everyone who they played or gave chances to. They said they don’t like them. They retained whoever they didn’t give chances to. They asked Yash Dhull, Vicky Ostwal and Pravin Dubey to stay back as they couldn’t play them.”
The Capitals also decided to release Manish Pandey, Rilee Rossouw, Chetan Sakariya, Phil Salt, Mustafizur Rahman, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ripal Patel, Sarfaraz Khan, Aman Khan and Priyam Garg.
Meanwhile, the Rishabh Pant-led team was able to rope in the services of Harry Brook for INR 4 crores. Chopra is slightly surprised by Delhi’s acquisition of the English batter.
“They bought Harry Brook. They have bought him for sure but I am slightly surprised about what could be their thinking behind it. You can forget his performances for England for some time.”
Brook could only manage 190 runs in 11 IPL matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the previous season.
“When he played for (SunRisers) Hyderabad, he scored one century while opening. Whenever he batted down the order, he didn’t do anything. Later he didn’t do anything at the top as well. They have kept Harry Brook assuming he will do a great job for them down the order.”
IPL 2024 will begin on March 22.
