Delhi Capitals’ preparations for IPL 2024 have hit a snag with the news of their INR 4 crore signing, Harry Brook, opting out of the tournament due to personal reasons. Brook, who missed the India vs England series, had to return home from Abu Dhabi, where the team’s pre-series camp took place.

Despite a scintillating start in his debut IPL season, where he smashed a 55-ball hundred against Kolkata Knight Riders, Brook’s performance tapered off. He managed to score only 190 runs for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 11 matches last season, leading to his release from the franchise for IPL 2024.

Ricky Ponting, the head coach of Delhi Capitals, had expressed excitement about having Brook in the squad, praising him as one of the most talented international cricketers at the time of his signing. Ponting had high hopes for Brook’s contribution to the team’s success.

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With Brook’s departure, Delhi Capitals are now eyeing Australian opener Jake Fraser-McGurk as a potential replacement. The 21-year-old has made a mark in Australian cricket, earning call-ups to the T20I and ODI squads this year. Fraser-McGurk’s impressive performances include breaking AB de Villiers’ record for the fastest century in List A cricket, achieved with a blistering 29-ball hundred.

🚨 Harry Brook pulls out of IPL 2024 🚨

Delhi Capitals will look for a replacement. #IPL2024 #DelhiCapitals

Story: https://t.co/dEz0lrCTeh pic.twitter.com/KBsxTmQNGZ

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) March 13, 2024

Ricky Ponting holds Fraser-McGurk in high regard, drawing comparisons between the young Australian and former Australian captain David Warner. Ponting highlighted Fraser-McGurk’s natural talent and skill, likening his introduction to the Australian cricket scene to Warner’s early days. He emphasized the importance of integrating Fraser-McGurk into the cricketing system to maximize his potential across all formats.

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Brook’s withdrawal adds to the list of English players skipping IPL 2024. Mark Wood, Jason Roy, and Gus Atkinson have also opted out for various reasons, including workload management and personal commitments. While Wood and Atkinson were withdrawn by the ECB, Roy cited personal reasons for his decision.

Despite the setback, Delhi Capitals remain determined to find a suitable replacement for Brook and maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming IPL season, which kicks off on March 22. The team management is optimistic about securing Fraser-McGurk’s services and looks forward to his potential contribution to the squad’s success.