The Dubai Capitals are all set to make a formidable mark in the third season of the DP World ILT20, with a squad that blends world-class international talent, youthful exuberance, and tactical versatility. Having retained key players and bolstered their lineup with exciting new signings, the Capitals look poised to challenge for the top honors this season.
Strategic Depth and Leadership
Hemang Badani, the head coach of Dubai Capitals, expressed confidence in the squad, saying, “The balance we’ve achieved in our squad this season is exceptional. Our core players give us the depth and versatility needed to tackle any challenge. Our preparation has been intense, and I’m confident in our ability to compete at the highest level.”
A Batting Lineup Built for Impact
The Capitals’ batting strength is undeniable, with experienced campaigners like David Warner, Jake Fraser McGurk, and Ben Dunk leading the charge. Add to that Sam Billings’ flair for big hits, and the batting unit is well-equipped to put up competitive scores. The middle order is supported by power hitters such as Rovman Powell, Najibullah Zadran, Shai Hope, and the promising Aryaman Varma, making this squad a well-rounded and explosive unit.
Leadership at the Helm: Sikandar Raza
Captain Sikandar Raza is expected to play a pivotal role, both with the bat and ball. In fine form internationally, Raza will look to lead from the front, leveraging his skills to steer the team towards victory. He is joined by experienced players like Dasun Shanaka and a group of promising talents including Garuka Sanketh and Farhan Khan, which adds further balance to the squad.
Bowling Strength and Versatility
The Capitals’ bowling department features a potent blend of pace and spin. With the likes of Oliver Stone, Scott Kuggeleijn, Obed McCoy, and Zahir Khan in their pace battery, the team is well-equipped to challenge any batting lineup. Sharafuddin Ashraf provides a crucial spin option, and new signings like Gulbadin Naib and Shahrukh Ahmed add further depth to the attack.
Sikandar Raza on Team Cohesion
Sikandar Raza shared his excitement for the upcoming season, stating, “Playing with this talented group of players is a privilege, and I’m excited about what we can achieve together. The squad has a perfect blend of power-hitters, technically sound batsmen, and versatile bowlers. We’ve got multiple match-winners in our ranks, and I’m particularly impressed with how the team has bonded during our preparation phase.”
Season Kick-Off and Fixtures
The Dubai Capitals will begin their season with high-stakes clashes, starting with games against MI Emirates on January 11th and 13th, set to bring high-voltage cricket to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. On January 17th, they face Sharjah Warriors in what promises to be an exciting derby in Sharjah. The team then moves quickly into another crucial match against Gulf Giants on January 18th, followed by a key encounter with the Desert Vipers on January 20th in Dubai.
Complete Squad Overview
New Signings: Adam Rossington, Aryaman Varma, Ben Dunk, Brandon McMullen, Garuka Sanketh, Farhan Khan, Gulbadin Naib, Joe Burns, Joe Weatherley, Najibullah Zadran, Obed McCoy, Scott Kuggeleijn, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Shai Hope, Shahrukh Ahmed, Zeeshan Naseer.
Retained Players: David Warner, Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Haider Ali, Raja Akif, Jake Fraser McGurk, Rovman Powell, Sam Billings, Sikandar Raza, Zahir Khan, Oliver Stone.
