Delhi Daredevils have had strong squads in the last few seasons, but have always ended up missing the bus for the play-offs. After the first 5 seasons, where they qualified for the play-offs thrice, they have not managed to qualify for the play-offs even once. In fact, they finished as the wooden spooners in two seasons back-to-back, 2013 and 2014. The last two seasons saw a significant improvement in their performance, under Rahul Dravid and Paddy Upton, however that wasn’t enough to secure a play-offs berth. Among the teams that have been part of IPL since its inception, DD remain the only side yet to play in a final. This season, Delhi Daredevils have managed to get Gautam Gambhir back, he played for them in the first three seasons, and have also signed up Ricky Ponting as their head coach. With these two at the helm, and a batting unit that can blow away oppositions, DD look a force to reckon with.
Strengths
Having Gambhir and Ponting at the helm should bring an aggressive approach to the Daredevils side. This might prove to be a welcome change for the team. These two know exactly what it takes to go all the way and would be eager to prove themselves with a low-key franchise like DD.
A batting unit that can destroy any bowling attack on a given day. They have two highly explosive openers in Roy and Munro. Chances of the two playing together seem very bleak, with DD most likely to have Roy as a back-up to Munro. The Indian back-ups in the batting department, though young, can be relied upon when needed.
Delhi Daredevils have a terrific pool of all-rounders to choose from. Players like Maxwell, Munro and Christian, who are coming with some very good form on their back, give DD a lot of variety. In addition to these three, Chris Morris who was retained, and the local Indian talent complete the all-rounders pool for DD.
Areas of concern
The captain’s recent T20 form, three single digit scores in five outings in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy, is a cause of concern for the Delhi Daredevils. With form not on his side and with the additional responsibility of captaincy, it remains to be seen how Gambhir deals with both.
Delhi Daredevils have purchased a lot of bowlers who played for them in the previous season. Though they are very formidable, they couldn’t put Delhi over the line on a few occasions last time around. So, only time will tell if DD made the right moves in the auction.
In Boult and Rabada, DD had two very fine T20 bowlers. Now with Rabada gone, and Boult coming from a very long and hectic season, DD will have to soon find a replacement for the former. If they are not able to, they will be just left with Boult as their premier international fast bowler. This can be quite risky, particularly if he gets injured at some point during the tournament.
Another area of concern for DD, now, is their death bowling. With Rabada no longer available, Morris is the only bowler on whom Gambhir can have his complete faith. So, getting a quality international replacement, who is also a death bowler specialist, becomes imperative for DD. Failing which, there are high chances of them struggling to contain sides in the end overs.
Delhi Daredevils squad – IPL 2018
Probable Starting XI: Colin Munro, Gautam Gambhir, Shreyas Iyer, Glenn Maxwell, Rishabh Pant, Chris Morris, Jayant Yadav, Amit Mishra, Trent Boult, Mohd. Shami, Shahbaz Nadeem
Top-order
Gambhir and Munro should be opening the innings for DD. Although, both Munro and Roy, are equally destructive, Munro gives the additional bowling option. Munro, on his day, can take any attack to the cleaners. He has also been in pretty good nick, in T20s, recently. Gambhir can hold one end up while scoring at his usual pace of around 120, while the other batsmen can do the big hitting. Iyer should come in at number three as he is more effective higher up the order. Once set, he does shift gears pretty quickly.
Middle-order
Pant, sandwiched between Maxwell and Morris, will have the licence to go after the bowling right from the start. He has the talent, which was on display a few times last season, if only he is able to develop the temperament to play in the big league, he can go a long long way. Maxwell plays the game in only one way: see ball, hit ball. Coming in at number 4 will allow him to play with a lot of freedom, knowing that there are guys below him who can be equally destructive. Morris can give the flourish towards the end of the innings, something which he has done quite often for DD. In addition to his batting, Morris is also an exceptional death bowler, an area where DD seem to be a bit on the weaker side.
Lower middle-order
Jayant Yadav, though not the best option in terms of batting, lower down the order, looks the best fit for this Delhi team. Bowls in the powerplays, with a very impressive economy rate, and can be used as a floater in batting. Mishra, a classical leg-spinner, gives a genuine wicket taking option. Has been a consistent performer for DD, over the years, with the ball. While he will be called upon more for his bowling, he can get a few runs towards the end.
Bowlers
With Rabada out of the tournament, Boult should lead DD’s pace attack. One of finest with the new ball, Boult can strike early on a very consistent basis. Shami, along with Boult and Morris, completes the pace bowling for DD. Shami too, like Boult, has the knack of picking early wickets. Together the two should form a deadly opening pair. Nadeem completes the line-up at number 11. Over the years, he has opened the bowling for DD. Though does not get too many wickets, bowls miserly spells in the powerplays, which is a luxury for any skipper. With three quicks alongside Jayant Yadav and Nadeem, Gambhir will have the flexibility to use his main strike bowlers sparingly, through the innings.
Players to watch out for
Colin Munro at the top of the order has been exceptional for New Zealand in the last year or so. Delhi Daredevils will be expecting great things from him. Munro should take the pressure off Gambhir, with his aggressive game, this will allow Gambhir to settle down. In addition to his explosive batting, Munro can also gives those vital overs in the middle of the innings, picking up a wicket or two as well.
Having shelled out 9 cr on Glenn Maxwell, Delhi Daredevils will be expecting him to start the tournament the way he did for Kings XI in the 2014 edition. If recent signs are anything to go by, Maxwell is likely to take the tournament by storm. He has been on a great run in T20s lately, being the highest run getter for Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash and the second highest run-getter in the recently concluded Trans-Tasman T20 series. With a T20 career strike rate of 157, Maxwell can change the complexion of the game if he stays at the crease for 5-6 overs. Is also a very handy off-spinner, in case DD have a need to use his bowling skills.
Chris Morris has been an integral part of the Delhi Daredevils squad for the last couple of seasons. A very hard-hitter down the order and an extremely good death bowler, with his inch-perfect yorkers, DD would be served well if he can hit the ground running.
Delhi Daredevils could not have asked for a better leader than Gautam Gambhir. It is his homecoming after seven years with KKR. Has vast experience as a skipper, leading KKR for seven seasons as well as DD for one season, Having led KKR to the playoffs on five occasions in addition to winning the league twice, the players will have to look no further than Gambhir for inspiration. Opening the batting at the top, he will be looking to set a solid platform for the explosive hitters that are to follow him.
Gambhir, Maxwell, Munro and Morris hold the key for Delhi Daredevils
Expected position in the league table: Bottom half
Delhi Daredevils start their IPL campaign with an away game, a 4pm start, against Kings XI Punjab on 8th April. Full schedule of Delhi Daredevils