The Season 1 of the Indian Premier League last year was rather tumultuous for the Delhi Daredevils as they won 7 of the 14 games they played, ultimately losing badly to the Rajasthan Royals in the semi-finals by 105 runs. The Delhi Daredevils displayed a below par performance in only one match last year – in the semi-final against the Rajasthan Royal’s – where the latter’s obviously superior attack reduced team Delhi to 87 all out. Although their average performance was good through the 1st season, this year it is expected to be even better. For the second season, with a few changes made in an attempt to strengthen the middle order, the team displays a strength that could threaten the best.
At the February auction, the Team Delhi Franchise acquired to English players: Paul Collingwood and Owais Shah; two of the craftiest and most resourceful cricketers that the England team has seen of late. As Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir stand as one of the most formidable opening pairs, the other teams will also have to watch out for this English pair who will pillar the middle order. In addition Team Delhi can boast of Twenty20 cricket’s latest runaway success: Australia’s David Warner. With him around AB de Villiers’ absence will hardly be noticed.
Wicket keeper Dinesh Karthik and Sri Lankan all-rounder Farveez Maharoof are also strong additions to the Delhi team and will prop the lower middle order up. Also there is Manoj Tiwary who has been iconic in Domestic cricket, and is hoping to make a lasting impression at the IPL. Few other options for a hard hitting lower order are Daniel Vettori, Tillekeratne Dilshan and Andrew McDonald.
As for the bowling attack, Team Delhi will look to Daniel Vettori, who has been one of T20’s most economical bowlers, to be their key spinner. But maximum expectations are on Glen McGrath’s attack with the new ball. They also have Ashish Nehra, Australian speedster Dirk Nannes, leg-spinner Amit Mishra and Vidarbha pacer Umesh Yadav.
All in all the team composition stands strong and each of these players shows immense promise, making Delhi Daredevils a team to reckon with.
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