Led by Gautam Gambhir, Delhi Daredevils are one of the favourites to win this year's IPL. The Daredevils dominated in both the previous editions, but couldn't muster the killer blow, eventually bowling out in the semi-final stages of the competition.
The team built its batting line-up around Delhi openers Virender Sehwag and Gambhir, who are one of the most destructive openers in all forms of the game. Everyone in world cricket is aware how Sehwag bats. A bowling attack must be inch perfect if they are to get their man. In a matter of overs he can take the game away from the opposition. On the other hand, skipper Gambhir can consolidate the innings and at the same time can up the tempo whenever the situation demands. Continue reading below
Delhi have some star names in their middle order as well. Players like AB de Villiers, Tillakaratne Dilshan and David Warner are real match winners in international cricket. Warner is a powerful batsman who can bat at any position and he can score runs and build pressure on bowlers with his newly-developed swtich-shot.
South African de Villiers can be termed as a wall for Delhi Daredevils; a type of player who can score runs at pace without taking unnecessary risks, as he showed with his century in the previous edition. He can also keep wickets which makes him one of the most important players for the team.
Dilshan's recent form has made him one of the most feared batsmen the world over. The legendary 'Dilscoop' has become a feature of his batting. His off-spin is rather effective and coupled with his tremendous athleticism, he brings versatility to the team.
Delhi has some attractive name among the all-rounders. Stars like Paul Collingwood, Farveez Maharoof and Daniel Vettori are more than a handful for the opposition. Collingwood, provided his availability, could be very handy in the middle overs. He can up the ante when the team needs and his gentle medium pace can be useful in getting wickets and breaking partnerships. Add to it his fielding skills and it makes Delhi one of the top fielding sides in the tournament.
Kiwi skipper Vettori is a real asset to the team, widely regarded as the best left-arm spinner in the world. Moises Henriques, the new recruit, adds to the team's all-round skills with hard-hitting in the middle order and nifty medium pace.
The bowling has been boosted by the purchase of young South African quick Wayne Parnell, who along with Dirk Nannes and Ashish Nehra lead Delhi's bowling line-up.
Along with local lad Pradeep Sangwan, the Delhi pace line-up is largely made up of left-arm speedsters. If they get their act together, with Nannes dishing out fiery spells and Nehra and Co. generating swing, the bowling is mighty potent.
Delhi's run in both the previous editions largely revolved around the success of the local players. While Gambhir and Sehwag are world renowned, Rajat Bhatia, Aavishkar Salvi, Sangwan and Amit Mishra lend solid reliability to the side.
They were favourites in the past editions, and they remain so even this time around. Only time will tell if they can break the jinx of the semi-finals and go the distance.
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