IPL 2018: The Dark Horses in each team

Delhi Daredevils- Vijay Shankar

Vijay is considered as Hardik's backup

Vijay Shankar is an all-rounder who plays for Tamil Nadu in the domestic circuit. He bowls medium pace and is a very good batsman. He has been one of the most consistent performers in the domestic circuit for the last few years. He first shot into the limelight, while playing for SRH. He made his international debut in the recently concluded Nidahas Trophy.

His T20 records are very ordinary. He averages 23 with the bat and has a strike rate of 121. He has bowled 32 times and has gotten 16 wickets, his economy rate with the ball is 8.75. He might not get a lot of opportunities with the ball as it is still work in progress. The only time he batted in the Nidahas Trophy, he scored 17 runs in 19 balls which is poor, when compared to the modern day standards. He got a chance with the bowl in all matches but didn't utilize them. He only got 3 wickets in 5 matches at an average of 51, his economy rate of 9 isn't acceptable as well.

He will be used as a utility player in Delhi Daredevils. Considering he hasn't been in good form, people might not expect a lot from him. In a star-studded team, a lot of people may overlook Vijay's name which makes him the dark horse for all the fans.