IPL franchise Delhi Capitals are almost likely to be without their regular captain Shreyas Iyer for at least the first part of the upcoming 14th season of the Indian Premier League.
The 26-year old on Wednesday ruled out of the ongoing ODI series against England and left in serious doubt for the first half of the IPL starting next month after dislocating his left shoulder in the opening game here.
The incident happened in the eighth over of the England innings when Shreyas dived on a drive hit by Jonny Bairstow off pacer Shardul Thakur. The 26-year-old looked in tremendous pain as he left the field clutching his shoulder.
Adding salt to the injury, Iyer would also not participate in the opening half of the upcoming Indian Premier League, reports ESPNCricinfo. He is the captain of Delhi Capitals, as the side finished the runner-up last season.
In Iyer’s absence, Capitals will have to look for a new captain till the time their regular captain doesn’t regain full fitness. While DC do have a lot of captaincy options, picking the right one holds the key ahead of the biggest T20 league.
While many cricket experts are speculating that Rishabh Pant or Steve Smith may lead the Delhi based franchise in the upcoming season of the cash rich league, fans are having different opinion.
DC’s fans, on Wednesday started trending Ajinkya Rahane on Twitter soon after updates regarding Shreyas Iyer’s injury went viral.
Fans Want Ajinkya Rahane to Lead Delhi Capitals in IPL 2021
Ajinkya Rahane is one of the obvious choices to be the stand-in skipper for the Delhi Capitals. From leading India in the Test series against Australia and helping them win the historic series, Rahane has come a long way when it comes to leading the side. He has previously led Rajasthan Royals in IPL and DC management might give him the leadership duties in absence of Iyer in IPL 2021.
With Ajinkya Rahane in the squad and unlikely to find a place in the Playing XI otherwise, Iyer’s injury offers an opportunity to their team management to accommodate the Indian Test captain. Rahane have had a great time in recent Test series against England and Australia and he can continue his smooth form in the upcoming tournament too.
Rahane is well-known for his calmness and composure. He has led the Rajasthan Royals and Rising Pune Supergiant in 25 IPL games, winning nine of them.
Meanwhile, fans are looking consistent with their decision of seeing Ajinkya Rahane leading Delhi Capitals in the upcoming season of Indian Premier League.
Here are some of the Reactions:
