James Hopes, fast bowling coach of Delhi Capitals (DC) is excited with the options he has at his disposal for the upcoming season of IPL 2021. DC is looking to take that final step this season after losing in the final against Mumbai Indians during IPL 2020.
The Fast Bowling Coach is chuffed with the options he has this year ⚡
📽️ | A returning James Hopes talks about DC's pace battery, @rickyponting, @SteveSmith49 and more 🗣️#YehHaiNayiDilli #DCAllAccess @OctaFX pic.twitter.com/2u4a0f68LD
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 8, 2021
While talking to DC’s in-house channel, Hopes praised Delhi’s bowling options for the upcoming IPL campaign. DC has the foremost imposing pace assault this season. Delhi Capitals added Tom Curran, Umesh Yadav, and Lukman Meriwala to the bowling department during IPL 2021 auction in February.
The Delhi-based franchise has a potent bowling pace bowling partnership in Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje. The South African duo shared 52 wickets between them during the last campaign. Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel supported fast bowlers with tight bowling in middle overs. Marcus Stoinis also bowled crucial overs for DC last season.
Ishant Sharma and Amit Mishra didn’t feature in IPL 2020 due to serious injuries. Both of them are now fit to play in the first game of the season against Chennai Super Kings. Ishant Sharma recently played his 100th test for India during the series against England. Mishra and Sharma will add more quality depth and experience to the squad. Moreover, Chris Woakes is also a bowling option available for IPL 2021 after missing last season due to personal reasons.
Hopes praises Ricky Ponting
Hopes also heaped praise on DC coach Ricky Ponting. Both of them have shared dressing rooms while playing for Australia. Hopes believes that Ponting is one of the best coaches in cricket after gaining vital experience with his stints at Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals.
Ponting has overseen steady progress at Delhi Capitals in the last two seasons. After finishing at the bottom of the table, DC qualified for the knockout stages in 2019. They went one step better next season by reaching the final. The ultimate and biggest step for Ponting will be to take this team over the line and bring the first IPL trophy for the franchise.