Former India player Abhinav Mukund has expressed concern about Delhi Capitals opener Pathum Nissanka. He claims that he likes Pathum Nissanka and his batting, but he is very similar to his partner at the other end, KL Rahul. Both the batters are fine players in the format, but they are a bit more conservative in their approach, and they don’t slog a lot. In modern cricket, most teams have a player at the top who doesn’t play according to the merit of the ball but prioritises the result more. Abhimav Mukund backs Prithvi Shaw to get a chance at the top, as he could get those early boundaries.

"I really like Nissanka as a player, but I just fear that they're both very similar cricketers. Both go at about 150-160, which is very good, provided that there is someone else at the other end who goes at a faster clip and gives the other person insurance from day one, I think; Delhi are a team who don't get 1 over 20 or 2 overs 40. Why not a Prithvi Shaw? Every single game he's come in, he's in the dugout, he's wearing the bib. So, if you think that is an option, this is a guy who's going to give you either a big ceiling or he's going to get out initially," said Abhinav Mukund.

Delhi Capitals face top-order dilemma as Abhinav Mukund urges bold call from management

Pathum Nissanka or KL Rahul could possibly be dropped to number 3 as both of them have the technical ability to play spin and score runs in the middle phases of the game as well. Prithvi Shaw could be a huge hit or a huge miss, as the chances for the latter to happen are higher. Every team has at least that one power hitter at the top, like Phil Salt, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Mitchell Marsh, etc. If he gets into his rhythm, then the runs could flow thick and fast in the power play. It is worth the gamble as Delhi could get off to a couple of flying starts.

The Delhi Capitals haven’t been off to a dominant start as they have had their areas of concern, and they have lost 2 matches as well. There are questions regarding the instability at the top as the opening pair of Rahul and Nissanka are not getting the explosive start they require. They have tried Nitish Rana, Karun Nair and Sameer Rizvi at number 3, but none of them is consistent. Abhinav Mukund has also asked the Delhi Capitals to back Karun Nair and give him a couple of chances as well, just to see what he can provide to the squad.

"Now that you have backed Karun after you backed Nitish Rana in the first three games, give him three games. Give him two more, see what he does and understand what your best option is. Otherwise, you can tinker with the other impact player slot. I don't know why you would tinker with the options every single game. It doesn't give stability to your side," added Abhinav Mukund.

Their next match will be against the Punjab Kings on Saturday, and that will be a major test for the Delhi Capitals. They will have to take a few bold calls and bring adjustments to their team if they are looking to secure 2 points against the table toppers.