IPL 2024: Delhi Capitals sign Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib as Mitchell Marsh's replacement

The Delhi Capitals have officially brought in Afghanistan all-rounder Gulbadin Naib to bolster their squad for the remaining matches of IPL 2024. This strategic move comes following the season-ending injury to key player Mitchell Marsh, who has returned home due to a hamstring injury.

At 33 years old, Naib is set to fill the void left by Marsh. His extensive experience in T20 cricket will be invaluable to the Delhi Capitals, who find themselves in the middle of the points table and in need of a boost to secure a playoff spot. Naib, who has represented Afghanistan in 65 T20 Internationals, boasts a batting average of 21 and a strike rate of 125. On the bowling front, he has secured 26 wickets across 40 innings, demonstrating his capabilities as a versatile all-rounder.

The timing of Marsh's injury was particularly unfortunate for the Delhi Capitals, given the proximity of the T20 World Cup. Naib's recruitment is seen as a critical step to ensure the team remains competitive in the ongoing tournament.

Currently, the Delhi Capitals are positioned 6th on the IPL 2024 points table, having accumulated 8 points from 9 games. The addition of Naib is expected to provide the team with added depth and flexibility, allowing them to adapt their strategy as they push for a better standing in the upcoming matches.

Delhi Capitals have been unable to fix their overseas combinations till now, with Jake Fraser-McGurk the only non-Indian player assured of a place in the lineup currently. Naib's all-round skills will likely be utilized to stabilize the middle order and strengthen the bowling lineup, areas that have posed challenges for the team this season.

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