IPL 2018: 3 tactical changes that can turn Delhi Daredevils' fortune around 

The devils of Delhi have haunted the Delhi Daredevils since the first edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where they have managed to reach the playoffs only thrice in ten years, along with having the embarrassing record of being the only team that has not made it to the finals yet. After a horrendous first decade, the Daredevils wanted to stamp their dominance in the eleventh year of the much-celebrated league.

Their auction was a super hit as they procured a lot of star players including their current skipper Gautam Gambhir who has been a sensational captain when it comes to the IPL, but even the best could not change DD's fate as they resorted to humiliation in the first four games of the tournament. Their first four games included three defeats and only one win. Despite having a wonderful coaching set-up the Daredevils have struggled tactically.

Let us take a look at the tactics they could change to get back to winning ways.

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#3 More opportunity to youngsters

Could Avesh replace Shami?

Despite having the likes of Prithvi Shaw, Manjot Kalra and Avesh Khan in their squad, the Gambhir-led side has trusted the more experienced players over these youngsters. Mohammad Shami has struggled to find the right line and length in the first three games. The young former Under-19 pacer Avesh Khan can replace Shami in the next game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Avesh featured for RCB in the previous edition of the IPL and is aware of the conditions at the Chinnaswamy stadium.

The arrival of Avesh would add a new dimension to DD's bowling as he can take the new ball alongside Trent Boult. Nepal's bowling sensation Sandeep Lamichhane might get a chance later in the tournament. With the presence of four prominent overseas players, Lamichhane may not get his opportunity easily but Avesh will be looking for a chance in the next game.

#2 Resolving the middle order chaos

Vijay Shankar has been under-utilised in the first three games

Delhi's all-rounder Vijay Shankar has been underused so far in the tournament. Shankar has not contributed with the bat much and has bowled only one over thus far. The Daredevils have the likes of Gurkeerat Singh and Naman Ojha in their ranks. The experienced Ojha can add more stability to the middle order whereas Gurkeerat can add a little cushion to the all-round department with his ability to bowl off-spin but with the presence of Maxwell, Gurkeerat might not get an opportunity.

The promotion of Rahul Tewatia as a pinch-hitter has not paid off for the Daredevils. The DD skipper should look for alternative options. The Daredevils may also play Manjot Kalra in the middle order. The team from the north lack players who can tackle spin during the middle phase of the innings.

To resolve this issue they can add Ojha in the middle order as he can rotate the strike easily. With Maxwell and Iyer being the aggressors, the former SRH wicket-keeper can be a perfect batsman to bat in the middle order.

#1 Top order conundrum

Gambhir has scored 78 runs in 3 innings in this tournament

Delhi skipper Gambhir has scored only 78 runs in 3 innings in this tournament so far. Gambhir has had his shares of struggles against the pacers as he has shifted from his natural game of timing to a game of power, which is not suited to his style of play. The southpaw has tried to go on the back foot and power his shots away but he has failed miserably in doing so.

To resolve this top-order conundrum, the Daredevils can push Rishabh Pant to open the innings. With their aggressive batting, the Delhi openers Jason Roy and Pant can take the game away from the opposition in a matter of moments. Gambhir can be slotted at the number three position as he can tackle the spinners with sheer ease. He will also create the required stability in the middle order.

With all these changes the Daredevils will have a more balanced side. Their fans would hope that their side can come back to winning ways against the Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Chinaswamy stadium.