RR vs DC IPL 2024: Wil Anrich Nortje Be Among Three Changes For Delhi Capitals Against Rajasthan Royals?

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Delhi Capitals received a huge boost with the arrival of South African speedster Anrich Nortje ahead of their clash against Rajasthan Royals in match 9 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024.

Rishabh Pant-led DC suffered a 4-wicket loss to Punjab Kings in their season opener on Saturday (March 23) at the New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur, where they missed the services of a player of Nortje's calibre.

Already short of bowling options, having used wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel as the Impact substitue, Delhi Capitals also lost Ishant Sharma through injury in the match as they failed to defend 174.

The Protea, who missed DC's season-opening loss, linked up with the squad earlier this week. But will he be added to the 11, having returned to competitive action only earlier this month after missing action since September 2023?

Will Anrich Nortje play for Delhi Capitals against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur?

The South African quick is fit and available for selection as per DC's director of cricket Sourav Ganguly, who also provided a positive update on two other Indian players. So, Nortje is likely to come into the side, replacing his compatriot Tristan Stubbs, who didn't have a great game in the opener.

"It's good to be back on the field again. There is high intensity and great training sessions are taking place. There are world-class players and coaches around. It is very good to be involved with the team again," Nortje stated in a video posted by DC on X.

"I am happy to be involved with the team again. It's been a while and I have played three domestic games so far. The intensity in nets is great. Really excited to get going. I had a long extended break so that my body can recover properly."

What other changes could DC make to their 11 vs RR?

"We are full strength now, with Nortje back in the side. With Nortje, Khaleel (Ahmed), Mukesh (Kumar) and Ishant back in the team and fit, and with the two spinners Axar (Patel) and Kuldeep (Yadav), our bowling is definitely our strength," Ganguly said ahead of the RR match.

So, Mukesh Kumar is also set to play his first match this season, and Ishant is likely to be retained in the team either in the starting 11 if they bowl first or as an Impact sub if DC bat first. Mukesh, who missed the opening match, may come in for all-rounder Sumit Kumar.

On his IPL debut, the all-rounder Sumit scored 2 runs and conceded 19 runs in 1.2 overs. Although it's too early to judge his performance, the return of Mukesh means only he could make way as Khaleel Ahmed provides a left-arm variation.

The other change DC could make to their playing 11 is dropping Ricky Bhui for either Prithiv Shaw or Porel. Shaw can open the batting with Mitchell Marsh returning to the number 3 spot, adding more depth to the batting order.