IPL 2017: Mumbai Indians vs Delhi Daredevils, 5 winning factors

#3 Strategy

Angelo Mathew’s promotion ahead of Chris Morris by Daredevils backfired against the Sunrisers Hyderabad

With such an all-round resourceful player in their side, it is a pity that the Delhi Daredevils think-tank is unable to extract every bit from Chris Morris. He has been fantastic with the ball, but Daredevils need to entrust him with more responsibility with the bat. In a young and inexperienced batting line-up like theirs, it is criminal to have someone of his fearless striking batting abilities batting as low as No. 7.

It is exactly this puzzling strategy that cost Daredevils a win against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. One of the lasting images of that game is that of a geared up Morris watching on from the sidelines as Angelo Mathews, who was sent ahead of him, choked and let slip a game that he could have won.

Extra Cover: MI vs DD Match Prediction: Who will win today's match between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Daredevils, IPL 2017, Match 25

Delhi needs to perfect their batting order if they are to be serious contenders in the season. It would be prudent to send one of Rishabh Pant or Shreyas Iyer to the top of the order and put the other in the top 4. Sam Billings is more than capable of batting in the middle order and play cameos in the end overs.

Shreyas Iyer could be promoted up the order for DD

Taking a cue from a team like Kolkata Knight Riders that doesn’t mind slotting Sunil Narine as an opener, Daredevils shouldn’t hesitate in promoting Chris Morris, who has much higher batting credentials than the West Indian, to the top of the order, if the situation demands. He can be a terrifying prospect for bowlers in the Powerplay.

Angelo Mathews looked unfit and rusty during his innings and should immediately make way for Corey Anderson, if the latter is declared fit.

Mumbai Indians are a settled team with very few issues at the moment. However, it would be interesting to see whether they will be tempted to drop Malinga after a couple of poor performances when records suggest a great record against the opponents. Malinga is the leading wicket-taker against Delhi Daredevils in the IPL with 19 wickets and has never gone wicketless against the side.