IPL 2018: Delhi Daredevils squad analysis

Batting

Gambhir has been one of the most consistent batsmen in IPL history

With Gambhir in the team, one opening slot seems to be fixed. Part of the Indian World Cup winning squad, the southpaw is one of the most consistent batsmen in the IPL and is a definite match winner who likes to lead by example.

Along with him, somebody like a Prithvi Shaw can open the innings. However, Jason Roy (2006 runs in 57 ODIs) can fill in the shoes of Shaw too if the franchise wants to go for an experienced opener.

Roy has been doing really well for the England International team especially in the ODI format and can wreck the best of bowling attacks on a given day.

The batting order can prove to be a big headache for the skipper as the side has way too many top order batsmen. Colin Munro of New Zealand is another opening option for the Delhi Daredevils and has played under Gambhir during his time with the Knight Riders.

The Kiwi batsman has three international T20 tons alongside his name and is a huge name in the T20 Circuit. Perhaps Munro may not get the opening slot even if he features in the 11.

Rishabh Pant also opens for the Delhi domestic side but may feature in the Delhi Daredevils XI as a middle-order batsman. Pant will also be the go-to man behind the stumps for DD.

Naman Ojha is another wicket-keeping option but may have to wait for his turn in the side. Manjot Kalra in the middle order may well have to play a crucial role for the Daredevils, trying to score quickly when needed and occasionally steer the team out of trouble.

In Australia’s Glenn Maxwell (who took the 2014 IPL by a storm scoring over 500 runs at an incredible strike rate of 187.75), Daredevils find their most interesting prospect. One of the great enigmas of world cricket has been the disparity between Maxwell’s ability and consistency.

If the Australian big hitter fires for Daredevils, he can run away with the match in no time what so ever. DD would hope for a string of such performances from Maxi.