Squad analysis IPL 2018: Delhi Daredevils
Delhi Daredevils have built a solid unit that can be considered as one of the most balanced teams. You can check their squad here. The franchise went big by getting the veteran Gautam Gambhir from Kolkata, who led them to 2 titles. The focus for Delhi will be to deliver consistent performances throughout play-offs. In this article we analyse the squad of Delhi Daredevils.
Analysis: Delhi's batting a brutal force
With Gambhir back in the scheme of things for Delhi, their top order gets a boost immediately. He has been a top draw in scoring runs aplenty. Englishman Jason Roy is expected to open with the southpaw. Colin Munro with three T20I tons, is the perfect back-up. Indian duo of Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer bring fluidity in the middle-order, Glenn Maxwell adds gloss.
Trivia: How well do you know Delhi Daredevils?
Double G's consistency upfront is massive
Delhi can be assured of their leader scoring a bulk of runs atop. He can play a perfect foil to the whirlwind Roy and bat long. With 4,133 runs in 148 matches and a best of 93, Gambhir has scored consistently almost in every season.
DD have desired depth in all-round department
Chris Morris has settled into the side and will be Gambhir's go to man especially in terms of having the license to attack. Australian veteran, Daniel Christian has bagful of experience in the IPL and provides that extra bit of cushion. Gurkeerat Mann and Vijay Shankar are the star Indian recruits. Shankar has shown nerves in the Nidahas Trophy and is an exciting prospect.
Morris could steal the thunder
The form of Chris Morris in IPL11 will be pivotal for DD. His prowess in hitting the big shots and putting in four overs as a pacer could be a big factor in the side's success. He has been a vital cog over the years.
DD aim to shine under former Knight
DD announced Gautam Gambhir as their skipper for IPL 2018 and they will be expecting Gauti to continue his aggressive style of cricket. Gambhir's tryst with consistency is a big plus for DD which they have lacked in the last 10 seasons.
Delhi's bowlers need to hit the right chords
If Mohammed Shami misses out on the IPL, following his latest controversy, that could be a huge blow. Under these circumstances, the significance of Kagiso Rabada rises further especially at the death. Trent Boult is a valuable addition to provide knowledge to young Indian pacers. Amit Mishra and Shahbaz Nadeem will be Gambhir's spin twin. Sandeep Lamichhane is the lone foreign spinner from Nepal.
Amit Mishra could get DD bags of wickets
Amit Mishra has been in IPL for 10 years and has 134 wickets to his name. His 9 'MoM' awards are a testament to his wicket-taking ability . Gambhir's liking for spinners was a big factor in KKR, and he knows Mishra's strengths in-and-out.
What's our take on Daredevils?
Delhi could push for that play-off place but will be tested severely. Gambhir will need to find the right balance. Their pace bowling lacks the fizz, which adds pressure on batsmen and all-rounders to come good consistently. But, Delhi could be this season's surprise package.
