Former India player turned veteran commentator Aakash Chopra has questioned the Delhi Capitals’ (DC) plans behind releasing Rovman Powell and acquiring Shai Hope in the IPL 2024 auction. However, Powell was one of the 11 players released by the franchise before the auction. They bought nine players, including Hope, in the auction to complete a full-strength 25-member squad as well.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said: “They have made some interesting changes. They let Rovman Powell go but they have taken Shai Hope. What are Delhi thinking? I see Shai Hope as an extremely interesting choice. Firstly, they did an interesting job at the time of release. They released everyone who they played or gave chances to. They said they don’t like them. They retained whoever they didn’t give chances to. They asked Yash Dhull, Vicky Ostwal and Pravin Dubey to stay back as they couldn’t play them.”

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However, apart from Powell, the Delhi Capitals released Manish Pandey, Rilee Rossouw, Chetan Sakariya, Phil Salt, Mustafizur Rahman, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ripal Patel, Sarfaraz Khan, Aman Khan and Priyam Garg. And, Aakash Chopra was also surprised by their decision to buy Harry Brook as well.

“They bought Harry Brook. They have bought him for sure but I am slightly surprised about what could be their thinking behind it. You can forget his performances for England for some time,” Aakash Chopra concluded. “When he played for (SunRisers) Hyderabad, he scored one century while opening. Whenever he batted down the order, he didn’t do anything. Later he didn’t do anything at the top as well. They have kept Harry Brook assuming he will do a great job for them down the order.”