IPL 2024: Is Lizaad Williams The Solution For Injury-Hit And Struggling Delhi Capitals Bowling Attack?

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Delhi Capitals is languishing at the foot of the IPL 2024 points table, having lost four matches in five outings this season after injury to key players and the struggling bowling unit.

DC led by Rishabh Pant has been severely hit by inury this season with pacer Mukes Kumar, spinner Kuldeep Yadav and most recently all-rounder Mithcell Marsh missing games due to injury.

Injury concerns aside, DC bowling attack that includes the likes of Anrich Nortje, Axar Patel, Jhye Richardson, Rasikh Dhar and Ishant Sharma among others has not hit good form. The last outing against Mumbai Indians was a good example of how weak DC's attack is.

Nortje, who is one of the prime pace bowling options for DC, conceded 65 runs in the clash against MI, and also went for 59 runs in his quota of 4 overs against Kolkata Knight Riders.

While Mukesh, Kuldeep and Marsh picked up injuries during the season, Lungisani Ngidi was forced to withdraw from the tournament before the season started with a lower back injury.

DC could have roped in a pacer to replace Ngidi earlier, but opted for a batter in Australia's Jake Fraser-McGurk. Now, after nearly three weeks into the season they were forced to sign another pacer as solution to their problems.

Delhi Capitals on Monday (April 8) signed South Africa fast bowler Lizaad Williams as a replacement for Harry Brook, who had pulled out from IPL 2024 following his grandmother's death.

Williams will join fellow Proteas speedster Nortje in the Capitals' pace department, which comprises Ishant, Khaleel Ahmed, Jhye Richardson and Mukesh Kumar. So, is he DC's solution to their problems and how does he compare to the current options?

Who is Lizaad Williams?

Williams is a South African fast bowler, who was part of the ODI World Cup squad last year. He has taken 106 wickets in 83 T20s at an economy rate of 7.79.

The 30-year-old born in Vredenburg on October 1, 1993, made his national team debut in April 2022 and has played two Tests, four ODIs and 11 T20Is so far. He finished as the joint fourth highest wicket-taker in the recent SA20, where he represented Joburg Super Kings.

Is Lizaad Williams DC's solution?

The pacer could be used as an option in place of Jhye Richardson and provide as cover for Nortje or even take his compatriot's place in the eleven after the poor form. But, once Marsh and the other players are fit, it's unlikely he gets a spot in the playing 11.

However, if he grabs the chance with the limited opportunities, Williams could make the spot his own. He can hit speeds above 140kmph but can't match his compatriot Nortje for pace.