The most underachieving team of the IPL, Delhi Daredevils this year will be hoping to finally get their hands on the coveted Trophy. The Auction 2018 was largely a success for the Delhi team as their super talented squad reflects. Gautam Gambhir’s return as the Captain will boost their confidence further.

Delhi Daredevils – IPL History

Best Performance:

In the IPL 2012 edition, the Daredevils team reached its peak as they topped the group table. With Kevin Pietersen, Mahela Jayawardene, Ross Taylor and the Purple cap holder Morne Morkel, they were a strong unit. Unfortunately, they lost both their qualifier and eliminator to bow out of the tournament.

Worst Performance:

There many choices in this category for Delhi. They ended last in the 10-team tournament in 2011, they won only three matches in the 2013 season but their worst occurred in 2014 season where they won only two of their 14 matches.

IPL 2017 Performance:

Despite losing De Kock and Duminy due to injuries even before the tournament began, the Daredevils gathered itself and produced a decent performance to end the season at the 6th position with 6 wins and 8 losses. Their young talents like Pant, Iyer and Samson gave a good account themselves.

Strength:

For the last few years, Daredevils have relied heavily on their young guns. This year, again the focus will be on youngsters like Prithvi Shaw, Shreyas Iyer, Manjot Kalra, Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant. They also have the young South African bowler Kagiso Rabada.

The spin department of DD also looks very much complete. They have the most successful spinner in the IPL in Amit Mishra. Shahbaz Nadeem is a very underrated slow left-arm spinner who never leaks runs. They also have the Nepalese leg-spinner Sandeep Lamicchane.

The returning Captain Gautam Gambhir will be the most positive aspect this season for Delhi. Over the years, they have struggled to find a captain who could take the team ahead, in fact, they have tried as many as 7 Captains in the IPL so far, second most amongst all teams.

Gambhir is the leader who knows how to win the IPL and he is impeccable at handling and supporting the players, the quality which Daredevils have lacked over the last few years. His return to his home ground will lift the spirits of DD immensely.

Weakness:

Mohammad Shami’s inclusion in the IPL will be doubtful as he is under the scanner of various series charges levied by his wife. This development may harm Daredevils who do not have any backup in Indian pace bowers department.

Delhi, this year, is full of explosive batsmen in their ranks. Glenn Maxwell, Colin Munro, Rishabh Pant, Daniel Christian will be a part of the core batting for Daredevils. Their chances of success are as explosive as they bat, Delhi will have to be careful.

Prediction for IPL 11

Delhi Daredevils this year had a brilliant auction and along with some stellar players, they also managed to win back Gautam Gambhir to have him lead the team. Ricky Ponting as the head coach will also make an impact.

The team has best of the young talent going around, they will be looking for a podium finish this year with such a balanced squad at the disposal.

Expected End Position: Mid-table

Full Squad:

Gautam Gambhir (c), Rishabh Pant, Chris Morris, Shreyas Iyer, Glenn Maxwell, Kagiso Rabada, Amit Mishra, Shahbaz Nadeem, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tewatia, Mohammad Shami, Trent Boult, Colin Munro, Daniel Christian, Jason Roy, Naman Ojha, Prithvi Shaw, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Avesh Khan, Abhishek Sharma, Jayant Yadav, Harshal Patel, Manjot Kalra, Sandeep Lamichhane, Sayan Ghosh