Delhi Capitals are planning to start their training for IPL 2021 from March 30. According to an ANI report, DC CEO Vinod Bisht feels that delaying the training camp would give the players enough time to recover from their international and domestic tournaments and allow them to spend some time with their families before they enter the IPL bio-bubble.
“We intentionally delayed our camp firstly because of the evolving scenario (COVID-19), secondly, compared to last season, a lot of cricket has happened and our players are on the move. So we said let them get some rest and spend time with the family because they are again going to be in the bubble. At the moment we are tentatively planning to get into our bubble on 23rd and so we should be out to start our camp by 30th of the month,” said Bisht.
He also spoke about DC’s important purchases during the auction, which included Steve Smith, Sam Billings and Umesh Yadav and the thought process behind bidding for these players. He said, “With the covid situation, a lot depended on the coaches who are with us and we had identified that we had a great squad in season 13 as well. Each of our players have continued to do well for their respective teams. We knew we had the squad in place, but also since we had a few injuries last season, so we wanted to create back-ups especially for the key places. That is why we went for the international players who could immediately come in if such a scenario arises. That is how we went in for big and proven names. Auction is a big gamble and we turned out to be lucky with bagging Steve and Umesh at that price. We have a good back-up squad now.”
The arrival of Steve Smith had also raised the question whether he would replace Shreyas Iyer as the captain. But the team management squashed these speculations during the launch of the DC’s new jersey. In an interview with Times of India, Bisht said, “We backed Shreyas when we promoted him to be the captain. Under him, the team came third in 2019 and reached the final in 2020. He is growing as a leader. I am sure the team will continue to do well under his leadership.” He also stated that any of the seniors who come in, be it Ajinkya Rahane, R Ashwin or Steve Smith, they would continue to impart their knowledge to the young camp.
IPL 2021 will begin on April 9 with defending champions Mumbai Indians locking horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore in Chennai. Delhi Capitals, who were the runner-ups of IPL 2020, will start their campaign on April 10 against Chennai Super Kings in Mumbai.