5 Things Delhi Daredevils need to address before its too late

Delhi Daredevils was touted to be one of the most balanced sides after the IPL 2018 auction. The return of Gautam Gambhir to his home side as a leader, along with several match-winner T-20 specialists made Delhi one of the top contenders in the tournament. But, the IPL is far away from being predictable. In the start of the tournament, Delhi has lost 5 of their 6 games and are contending for the wooden spoon with Mumbai Indians.

The team looks solid on-paper but, there are certain fallacies that Delhi would need to address before its too late. In the previous match against KXIP, they made plenty of changes to the squad which did suit their home conditions but somehow, still were on the losing side.

Let's take a look at 5 changes that Delhi can make hence-forth to keep themselves in the tournament.

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#1 The opening woes

One of the most important aspects of success in the T-20 game is having a destructive opening pair. With the first 6 overs of field restrictions, teams always look to get off to a flying start which can then be capitalized by the middle order. With Gautam Gambhir out of form, and neither of Colin Munro and Jason Roy able to provide consistent performances at the top, Delhi's Opening looks bleak. They are not getting the destructive opening in the powerplay which can be capitalized by the middle order.

Possible Solution

Rishabh Pant has been batting superbly in this IPL. I think he needs to open the innings along with Prithvi Shaw, who looked promising the other night. Rishabh Pant is a fine striker of the ball and giving him an opportunity in the powerplay will only grow his confidence to play those long innings for the team. We still need to see more of Prithvi Shaw, if he does good, he should be opening, if not, they can even try Shreyas Iyer at the top with Rishabh Pant.

#2 The out of form captain

The legend of the game, Gautam Gambhir has looked out of touch of late. He has not been able to get going at the top and is using up too many deliveries in the Powerplay. I am sure a player of his caliber will surely deliver and find his form. Gautam Gambhir has specifically been troubled by the pace and bounce at the start and, with neither of other openers giving him support at the top, he is feeling the pressure to get them to a good start.

Possible Solution

Gautam Gambhir has been struggling against pace but, he is a far better player of spin bowling. Gautam Gambhir can play in the middle order, from where he can give stability to the team. Also, if he plays around the destructive players like Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Glenn Maxwell he would be able to play his natural game and anchor the innings well. Batting after the Powerplay, he can also take his time to settle and will feel less pressure of getting the team to a good start.

#3 The Batting Order Conundrum

They say, in T-20s play your best players at the top and give them as many deliveries to face as possible. Delhi had their plans ready at the start of the tournament with the role of each player defined well. But, during the first few matches, it has been evident that the batting order is in need of some shuffling. In T-20s having the right player on the crease at the right time is one of the most important things.

Possible Solution

Clearly, in the first few matches, it was evident that the best batsmen of Delhi are Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer. Delhi can't waste them batting at four and five. Both of them should bat as up the order as possible with, maybe, Rishabh Pant opening the innings and Shreyas Iyer Batting at three. Gautam Gambhir, with his experience, can change his role and bat in the middle order.

#4 The lack of the finishing touch

After the auction, Delhi seemed to have few of the best players to bat lower down the order who can go for the kill. But, with neither of Chris Morris, Daniel Christian or Rahul Tewatia able to play as per their potential, the team becomes heavily reliant on Glenn Maxwell. Maxwell too, apart from one inning, has not fired. Glenn Maxwell is an experienced campaigner but, he can't be used up the order at number three. Maxwell is someone who becomes a far better player when he is just asked to play his natural game.

Possible Solution

Maxwell Should bat in the middle order and ideally, he is a far better player when he already has a platform set to go for the kill. I think, Delhi should also go for the batting depth and the inclusion of Gurkeerat Singh makes more sense than ever. Gurkeerat is also a fine striker of the ball and a proven finisher. He has been in a fine touch and his inclusion will provide them batting depth and take some pressure off Glenn Maxwell.

#5 Need for Wicket-taking spinners

Sandeep Lamichhane - ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2018

In the first few games, Delhi has struggled with their bowling. In the last game, though, their pace attack seemed balanced with Liam Plunkett and Avesh Khan coming to the party. Trent Boult has also been consistently performing which will give Delhi some sigh of relief. But, the problem still persists in the spin department. The veteran Amit Mishra really doesn't seem confident enough, and the other spinners, Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Tewatia simply don't look threatening.

Possible Solution

The role of a mystery spinner has been enormous for various teams in the IPL in the past. The likes of Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Zadran and recently, Mayank Markande are stamping their authority over the oppositions. Delhi acquired the services of the Nepalese leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, making him the first-ever player from Nepal to play IPL. Sandeep should be given a chance ahead of Daniel Christian, in place of underperforming Amit Mishra. The slow Delhi wicket will also suit the leg-spinner and he might just bring in the X-factor in the bowling attack.