IPL 2018: Five X-factors for Delhi Daredevils

It’s summer time in India and the entire country gears up to embrace the World’s biggest T-20 carnival in the form of the 11th edition of Indian Premier League(IPL). It is for the very first time since the inaugural edition in 2008 that we will witness new look eight teams as some will have a new skipper, while few see the home coming of their players while others bank on the young emerging talent.

Amongst those revamped sides, a team that kickstarted their tournament in the IPL Auctions with a bang, that saw a good blend of youth and experience, were the Delhi Daredevils. Known for their failed out of box strategies on the auction table in the previous years, this time around, Delhi has been successful in bagging players of their choice who can assert them to get their hands on that prestigious trophy for the first time. Let us take a closer look at what could possibly be the X-factors for this spirited Delhi Daredevils side in this year’s IPL.

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#5 The U-19 Cream

This Delhi side is one of the few franchises who has banked on the young talent who showed glimpses in the recently held U-19 World Cup. With as many three players featuring in their ranks with the likes of Prithvi Shaw, Abhishek Sharma, and Manjot Kalra, the Gambhir-led side would be hoping to give them a fair chance to show their might at the big stage. The youngsters would be ecstatic to prosper under Gambhir as they look to perform in the two-month long cricket extravaganza.

Some see this as the stepping stone to present their case in front of many who would look to consider them as the future stars of India. This indeed gives them the exposure to rubbing shoulders against the best in the world and that too at such a young age. With IPL grabbing much of the eyeballs, there isn’t a better opportunity to showcase your talent. Considering the popularity of the event, even small though impactful performances in the games do leave a lasting impression in the minds of viewers.

#4 The Big Show

It was after a disappointing stint of around three years with Kings XI Punjab that Glenn Maxwell was drafted into the IPL auction. One of the big hitters in this form of the game, he is a treat to watch when on a song but at times doesn’t seem to justify his ability with the bat. He is often regarded as the Million Dollar baby after he was bagged by Mumbai Indians in one of the previous years in IPL. Since then, Maxwell has been a force in reckoning despite few disappointing seasons.

Now when he adorns the jersey for Delhi for the very first time, the onus would be on him to give some game-changing innings for the Delhi fans who have been waiting for this since long. With his ability to send the bowler packing, Delhi would expect him to provide the finishing touch with a lot more consistent performance. Who knows if this could be the season in the reckoning for the explosive batsmen, who under the guidance of Ponting may look to form inroads in the international career that sees him on the sidelines.

#3 Colin Munro at the top

It is for the first time that Delhi has the team to take on any opposition. A team that boasts highly on confidence under the leadership of an influential skipper can be foreseen as one of the major contenders to lift the trophy. The franchise is relied upon its formidable batting line up with the likes of Colin Munro, Glenn Maxwell, Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and the captain himself. Amongst these, the Kiwi southpaw who is much likely to bat in the top three can be the most dangerous of all.

It is interesting to note his recent blitz in the past when he scored two centuries in the same season to become the only player with three T20I centuries in the world. This in a way is a testimony to his skills to bat deep and muster runs at a quick pace. His ability to clear the fence at will makes him a worthy figure in this batting order. Delhi side would expect the opener to continue his recent form and give them the brisk starts needed at the top of the order. Considering his batting exploits, if the management could persist with Munro for a bit long, he could well bat them through to the final four.

#2 Ricky Ponting to head coach the Delhi side

It was the best decision taken by the Delhi franchise when they considered getting Ricky Ponting on board as the head coach for the upcoming season. In him, they get one of the world’s most successful skipper who knows how to win. His experience of more than 20 years of being associated with the game can come in handy for the young Delhi side. A player who was much attacking in his playing days has done wonders in his stint as a coach for Mumbai Indians.

It would be interesting to see the duo of Gambhir and Ponting given their similar approach towards the game. There’s no denying the fact that Ricky’s reading of the game in less to none. His role in the side would be to give his valuable insights about the game and help the players prepare accordingly. As a head coach, it can turn disastrous at times when things don’t go your way but as a coach, it is necessary to take the team forward even in demanding circumstances. If Delhi is to win the tournament, a lot depends on the two senior men who can help the Delhiites secure this dream.

#1 Homecoming of Gautam Gambhir as their skipper

This was the biggest boost for all the Delhi fans before the upcoming season that saw the return of Gautam Gambhir as their skipper after an exile of nearly seven years. Before moving to Kolkata Knight Riders in 2011, Gambhir captained Delhi side in the third season of IPL and is ecstatic to return to his old franchise that also boasts to be his home side. In those seven years, Gambhir has witnessed much success as a leader as he took the Kolkata based franchise to glory twice in 2012 and 2014.

Gambhir has been one of the most successful captains in the first decade of this cash-rich league. His aggressive approach and the will to win a game from any situation is a hallmark that stands him apart from the rest. The skipper who leads from the front has never let his side down as he continued to give performances through his bat. In those hard times, when he faced the ire of his fans and critics, the man let his bat do all the talking. Now when he returns back to the fold, Delhi fans would be hoping a change in fortunes for their home team as they expect the local boy to help them lift their maiden IPL title.