There’s often a difference between a loss and a defeat, the latter amplifying the woes facing the embattled. In their third loss in IPL 2018, having been outplayed in all departments against Kolkata, it could be said, Delhi Daredevils weren’t just beaten; they were defeated. What else would describe their 71-run loss, a huge margin in a T20 contest?
Eden Gardens on Wednesday, April 16, 2018, was witness to a magnificent triumph by the home team that in its snubbing of visitors- Delhi Daredevils- secured a vital third win. Having had an ordinary day out in the field first, matched by an obvious failing with the bat, Delhi Daredevils never really got going especially when prior to the game, they were on par with Kolkata Knight Riders’ in the points table- having lost as many games as the Dinesh Karthik-led side.
But lacking in all forms of daredevilry- Delhi further plummeted to nearly the bottom of the table, being just above Mumbai Indians. But it could all change and go further worse with another loss that could potentially see Gambhir’s boys languishing to the bottom of the table. Familiar signs of mediocre showings in all departments of the game with nothing to savour apart from a sporadic outburst from the bat here and there- and we have Delhi Daredevils running the risk of conceding a fourth loss, what could potentially damage their chances of progressing ahead. We look at the problems of Delhi Daredevils.
The batting hasn’t clicked
For an IPL team to succeed at this level, given the all-too-brief format of the contest, it’s pertinent that the batting comes together in a game or two regularly. This is something that hasn’t happened for the Daredevils thus far. Seemingly reliant on Gautam Gambhir for getting the job done, one hasn’t seen others in the side- Iyer, Tewatia, Shankar- come together like peas in a pod. Whereas on the other hand, we’ve seen the likes of Bravo, Dhoni, Rayudu fire in tandem for CSK quite like Rahul, Gayle and Nair have contributed for Kings XI. It isn’t that in every game the frontline batsmen have been among runs but with Gambhir’s dismissal early on in chasing 201 against KKR, it became clear that Delhi weren’t in it for a win.
Team Selection
After just one ordinary game against King’s XI was Amit Mishra- who conceded 46 from 4- dropped from the side. So far, the team’s played 3 other contests with no presence of their only and most experience leg spinner. How well does that reflect on the confidence on someone like Rahul Tewatia, who despite picking 5 wickets thus far, has no stable head to go to in matters of crisis? Meanwhile, for a squad that might consider itself lucky to have someone like the experienced Naman Ojha in the wings, hasn’t played the right hander even once in four contests. Could he along with Jayant Yadav, an all rounder be made to feature anytime soon, now that the tournament is about to proceed in it’s second leg of league matches, winning most of which would augur well on Delhi Daredevils’ chances?
Colin Munro’s disappointing form
He may not be the most experienced IPL campaigner like some of the foreign players like Bravo, Gayle, Watson or Shakib but is a dangerous prospect with the bat nonetheless. By some count, it could be said that having not played Munro in the loss to Kolkata didn’t seem to affect their fortunes a great deal with the dashing Kiwi batsman having only contributed 4 runs thus far. That too, from 3 outings. Not exactly a report card that Munro would be proud of but definitely a matter that would need the big-striking player engage in a bit of thinking.
Mohd. Shami’s bowling
What else could hurt Delhi more other than having their main strike bowler- an experienced one at that- going for nearly 12, even 13 an over where the last two games stand? Bowling a lot fuller and waywardly outside off, has Mohd. Shami been himself where his recent outings stand? At around the same time where Trent Boult is bringing so much of a difference to the bowling efforts, Shami’s rustic form has added to Delhi’s woes thus far.