Anil Kumble urges Delhi Capitals to finalize opening comination, praises THESE Indian stars

Former India skipper Anil Kumble believes Delhi Capitals have got good Indian talent but must firm up their opening combination quickly.

“Delhi Capitals absolutely need to lock in their opening combination,” Kumble said.

“They have strong Indian options with Nitish Rana joining as a left-hander. Players like KL Rahul, Abhishek Porel, Karun Nair and Nitish Rana give them solid domestic firepower.

“They must decide who bats at one, two, three and four; KL Rahul has shifted from number four to opening, so consistency is key. Once settled, they can back Tristan Stubbs and overseas all-rounders in the middle order.“

Kumble said last season’s sixth-placed finishers Sunrisers Hyderabad will also need to address their middle order issues and strengthen their bowling in the upcoming auction.

“SRH certainly need a lot of bowlers this time, and I have a feeling they may also look at someone like David Miller. He brings that left-handed balance and proven finishing ability, something their middle order lacked last season.

“They were heavily dependent on their openers, who were exceptional when they reached the final earlier. But strengthening that middle phase is extremely important.

“If they have Klaasen and Miller, two South Africans, controlling the middle overs, it gives SRH a far more solid and powerful line-up.”

The IPL auction is scheduled on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.

( With PTI Inputs )