In a crucial clash with KL Rahul’s Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League season 2024, David Warner, the veteran Australian opener, was surprisingly benched by the Delhi Capitals. The former Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper has been sidelined for nearly a month due to a hand injury.
After the toss, Sourav Ganguly, DC’s Director of Cricket, acknowledged Warner’s legendary status in the IPL. However, he justified the decision to field youngster Jake Fraser-McGurk in his place. Ganguly praised McGurk’s impressive performances in the IPL, including his four half-centuries for the Delhi Capitals. The Australian power-hitter has amassed 330 runs in nine games, batting at a strike rate of 234.04.
Ganguly also expressed his disappointment that McGurk was overlooked by Australian selectors for the T20 World Cup. He believes that the rising star deserves a place in the national team based on his strong performances in the IPL. Despite missing out on the World Cup, Ganguly remains optimistic about McGurk’s future, stating that he has brought a lot to the table for the Delhi Capitals. He expects a bidding war for the young opener at the upcoming IPL mega auction, with several teams interested in securing his services.