IPL 2018: 4 reasons why Delhi Daredevils are Floundering

When the Delhi Daredevils completely overhauled their squad in this year’s auction, there was widespread hope that they will be a much-improved side when compared to their previous avatars. However, things have not worked out according to plan and now they find themselves at the bottom of the table, having recorded only 1 win out of 6 games.

The nadir was reached in their previous game when they could not chase 144 against one of the poorer bowling attacking in the tournament. The expectations obviously seem misplaced now and there are some key reasons why they have not been able to mount a serious challenge in the IPL this year. Here is a look at some of the reasons why the team representing India’s capital is floundering.

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#4 Fast bowlers have performed horribly

Following the completion of the IPL auction earlier this year, DD’s fast bowling reserves looked the most formidable in the tournament. Fronted by two of the world’s best fast bowlers in Kagiso Rabada and Trent Boult, the squad includes players like Mohammed Shami and Chris Morris. However, Rabada pulled out due to an injury and the rest of the attack has not done well so far.

None of the bowlers have been able to keep a lid on the runs and while Morris and Shami have gone for more than 10 runs an over, Boult has been relatively better, having conceded 8.33 per over so far. However, one bowler can hardly do much and despite Boult’s excellent return of 9 wickets so far, the others have been pretty ordinary. The poor performance by the fast bowlers has seen teams scoring big runs against them in most games.

#3 The middle-order muddle

Rishabh Pant has a strike-rate of 170.67

If a team struggles with its opening combination then at least it must have enough firepower in the middle-order to get over that handicap. However, despite the presence of players like Glenn Maxwell and Rishabh Pant in the middle-order, the team has struggled to put up big scores consistently. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been a revelation and remains the highest-scorer with a strike rate of 170.67.

However, big money buy (INR 9 crores) Glenn Maxwell has had a hugely disappointing season so far and is averaging only 18.60, with a highest of 47. They are sinking in the table and have to win at least 7 of their last 8 games to make it to the knockout rounds. If it has to happen then the middle-order must come good.

#2 The dearth of quality spinners

Amit Mishra has had a surprise failure

All successful IPL teams can boast of at least one or sometimes two world-class spin bowlers who have the ability to hold their own against even the most accomplished batsmen in the world. In that regard, DD have not been well served by their spin bowlers. The most accomplished among them is Amit Mishra and he was dropped after he went for 46 in 4 overs in the very first game. He was brought back into the side in the last game and he did reasonably well (0-33 in 4) despite not picking up any wickets.

Left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem replaced him in the side but he went for 10.50 an over as well in 4 games. The best performer has been leg-spinner Rahul Tewatia, who has recorded an economy rate of 7.31. However, despite providing a semblance of control, he has not been able to pick up many wickets. He has gone wicketless in 3 of the 6 games and that undoes his efforts a bit.

#1 Troubles at the top

Gautam Gambhir has stepped down from captaincy

The opening pair is one of the most important things in a T20 side, simply due to the fact that in a 20 over game, the openers need to go hard from the start and cash in on the Powerplays. In that regard, DD have been quite pathetic so far. They are 6 games into their campaign and they have already tried 3 opening partners for their captain Gautam Gambhir. The captain has not been able to bat at a pace that is necessary for T20 cricket and needless to say, he is past his sell date.

In 6 games, he is averaging 17 and after the previous game, his strike rate has dropped to 96.59. Anyone will agree that it is not an acceptable strike-rate. On the other hand, Colin Munro was dropped after two ducks (admittedly, he was run out in the second game), while Jason Roy’s inability to play spin was cruelly exposed after his scintillating unbeaten 91 against Mumbai Indians. The latest partner for Gambhir is the highly rated Prithvi Shaw and although he looked good in his last game (22 off 10), it is too early to pass judgements. Gambhir’s slow going at the other end will always have a negative impact on his opening partner.