In dire straits, Delhi Daredevils need quick solutions at the top
NEW DELHI: The equation continues to get more difficult for Delhi Daredevils after a demoralising defeat against Chennai Super Kings, but no way are they out of the race.
With just six games left in the league phase, the Daredevils know they need at least five wins to stay in the reckoning for the play-offs. If nothing else, this should provide some clarity of thought.
Also of some relief would be the fact that the Daredevils, on the road most of the time till now, will play their last four matches at home. This means no travel in the last two weeks of the league phase.
Ask any team and that is a huge advantage as it allows more time to strategise and more importantly, rest. But to make the most of this phase, Delhi Daredevils have to keep themselves in contention by winning against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday.
OPENING WOES
The Royals have an imperious record against Daredevils, winning 11 out of 17 clashes so far. But they have only won once outside home. The Daredevils would take note of that. But Delhi seem too reliant on the trio of Prithvi Shaw, new captain Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant to buttress their batting.
Here is where Glenn Maxwell can lend some perspective. After opening the batting in the first match, Maxwell has batted at different positions. Someone who needs few deliveries to get his eye in, Maxwell could be of greater impact if allowed to get back to at least No 3, if not open the batting. Delhi need that too, stitching 1, 50, 4, 7, 25, 59 and 10 in their opening stands so far. Only a strong opening stand can allow Iyer and Pant The changing opinions towards white-ball cricket is key. The IPL clashes with our county season. We are taking white ball cricket as seriously as red ball cricket. There are not many players who play all formats. So, the burnout issue is not prevalent anymore. Trevor Bayliss, in particular, who had success with KKR as the head coach, knows how important it is for the success of players. to go ballistic in the middle overs.
For two consecutive matches, Gautam Gambhir hasn’t played. While the knives maybe out after his questionable performance that led to him to abdicate the captain’s mantle, Delhi could try him again in the opening slot with Shaw so that Maxwell, Iyer and Pant can follow and bat according to the situation.
With Delhi’s bowling not showing steel against Chennai Super Kings, few changes could be on the anvil. Especially, Liam Plunkett who went for 48 runs. Barring Avesh Khan and Rahul Tewatia, Daredevils’ bowling hasn’t done much talking. So it might be down to their batsmen again to salvage the team’s fortunes. To do that, Delhi need to make quick amends at the top.
Delhi Daredevils
Total matches Rajasthan defeated Delhi by 10 runs (D/L method) when they met the first time in this edition last month.
After beating Royals twice in 2012, Daredevils have lost seven successive matches. Ben Stokes will record his 100th appearance in T20 cricket on Wednesday.