Dasun Shanaka
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Ex-Sri Lanka Captain in IPL 2025? Dasun Shanaka Joins T. Natarajan in Delhi Capitals Gym
In the ever-evolving world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where the dynamics of cricket blend with the glitz and glamour of professional sports, every year brings its own surprises. As IPL 2025 approaches, a wave of excitement surrounds the developments and strategic acquisitions being made by franchises. One such thrilling development is the inclusion of former Sri Lankan cricket captain Dasun Shanaka into the Delhi Capitals (DC) squad. In an unexpected twist, Shanaka, a seasoned all-rounder with international pedigree, is seen training alongside T. Natarajan in the Delhi Capitals gym. This unexpected alliance in DC’s pre-season preparations has fans and pundits buzzing with anticipation, prompting many to look into the factors that led to this decision and what it could mean for both Shanaka and the Delhi-based franchise.
A Look Back at Dasun Shanaka’s IPL Journey
To fully appreciate the significance of Shanaka’s move, it is important to delve into his cricketing background. Known for his powerful batting and useful medium pace, Dasun Shanaka has had a relatively limited presence in the IPL so far. Having been a part of various T20 leagues around the world, Shanaka’s experience is well-established, but his IPL career has not seen the same level of success or frequency of appearances as some of his counterparts. Despite his considerable talent, his IPL journey has been somewhat inconsistent, with a few stints as a replacement or backup player rather than a mainstay in the playing XI.
However, this all seems set to change with IPL 2025. The 32-year-old has shown considerable promise in recent years with the Sri Lankan national team, particularly in T20 internationals, where his leadership qualities and all-round abilities have come to the fore. Shanaka’s skillset, including his power-hitting, sharp bowling, and leadership abilities, make him a valuable addition to any squad, and Delhi Capitals’ decision to acquire him seems to be a strategic one.
The Dynamics of Delhi Capitals’ Squad for IPL 2025
Over the years, Delhi Capitals have established themselves as one of the most competitive franchises in the IPL, boasting a squad filled with young talent, international stars, and experienced campaigners. With players like Rishabh Pant, David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, and Anrich Nortje, the team has had a balanced mix of power hitters and death bowlers. However, despite their aggressive batting and pace attack, Delhi has often found themselves lacking in the middle-order finishing department, as well as in the leadership department at times.
Dasun Shanaka’s inclusion provides Delhi with much-needed balance. As an all-rounder, he offers flexibility with the bat and the ball. His experience as a leader will also be invaluable, especially in pressure situations. His calm demeanor and ability to finish games under intense pressure would add depth to the middle order, where Delhi has occasionally struggled. His presence will complement the power-hitting of players like Rishabh Pant, Warner, and Shimron Hetmyer, and with his bowling skills, Shanaka can also offer another option for Ricky Ponting, DC’s head coach, in tight matches.
Shanaka’s Strengths and Contributions to Delhi
One of the most appealing aspects of Shanaka’s game is his all-round prowess. As a middle-order batsman, he is capable of playing both anchoring and explosive roles. His batting style makes him a versatile asset—able to stabilize an innings when wickets fall early and capable of accelerating in the final overs when needed. His batting in the death overs can prove particularly valuable for DC, as he has a proven ability to clear the boundary at will.
His medium-pace bowling offers variety in a bowling attack often dominated by pace. Shanaka’s ability to bowl in the powerplay and at the death, along with his experience of bowling in subcontinental conditions, will provide DC with an additional option. Although he is not as fast as some of the big names in the IPL, his ability to swing the ball and keep things tight in the middle overs will be an asset to the Delhi squad. His experience in international cricket, particularly in limited-overs formats, allows him to adapt quickly to the fast-paced nature of the IPL, where conditions can vary from one match to another.
T. Natarajan: A Rising Star in Delhi’s Bowling Attack
Joining Shanaka in the gym at the Delhi Capitals’ pre-season training is none other than T. Natarajan, one of the IPL’s most exciting fast bowlers in recent years. Natarajan, who made a name for himself with his brilliant yorkers and tight death bowling, has been a revelation in the IPL, particularly with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). His ability to bowl in the most crucial phases of the game has earned him immense respect within the IPL community.
Natarajan’s presence alongside Shanaka during training is an interesting development, as it signals that Delhi Capitals are focusing on both ends of the pitch—batting and bowling—as they prepare for the IPL 2025 season. Natarajan’s pace, alongside Shanaka’s all-round capabilities, could provide DC with the much-needed combination of firepower and strategy. If Natarajan and Shanaka can forge a strong partnership, both on and off the field, DC’s chances of making a deep run in the tournament increase substantially.
The Importance of Pre-season Training
The importance of a rigorous pre-season training camp cannot be overstated, especially in a tournament like the IPL, where every match is crucial and every point counts. Delhi Capitals’ early preparations this year have been intensive, with the players working hard to fine-tune their skills in various aspects of the game. Shanaka’s presence in the gym with Natarajan is symbolic of the hard work the team is putting in. The IPL, while being a platform for entertainment and fame, is first and foremost about performance, and this intense focus on fitness and skill-building showcases DC’s commitment to winning.
Pre-season training camps also provide an opportunity for players to bond, build team chemistry, and understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. The collaboration between a senior player like Shanaka and an emerging talent like Natarajan could help bring out the best in both of them, both in terms of on-field performance and off-field relationships.
What Does This Mean for IPL 2025?
Dasun Shanaka’s addition to Delhi Capitals is likely to raise a few eyebrows, but it is a move that could prove to be a masterstroke for the franchise. With his all-round abilities, leadership skills, and experience in international cricket, Shanaka brings invaluable depth to DC’s squad. His ability to adapt to different match situations and provide balance will make Delhi an even more formidable force in IPL 2025.
For T. Natarajan, training alongside Shanaka will be an opportunity to learn from one of the most well-rounded all-rounders in modern cricket. The camaraderie built between these two players could play a vital role in Delhi’s campaign. With both players contributing with bat, ball, and in the field, they can create a significant impact on the outcome of the matches.
As the IPL 2025 season looms, the Delhi Capitals look more poised than ever to make a serious push for the title. With strategic signings like Dasun Shanaka, and players like T. Natarajan continuing to shine, the franchise is gearing up for a season filled with promise. Whether this partnership in the gym translates into on-field success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Delhi Capitals are gearing up for one of their most exciting campaigns yet.
