IPL 2018, DD vs KKR: 3 masterstrokes from the game
Delhi Daredevils clashed against Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Feroz Shah Kotla, and it turned out to be a riveting encounter. Delhi Daredevils were desperately in need of a victory after suffering a loss at home against Kings XI Punjab at home.
Similar was the case with Kolkata Knight Riders who lost their previous game against Kings XI Punjab in a rain-curtailed encounter. In the end, Delhi held their nerve, despite a blitz from Andre Russell.
Batting first on a slow wicket, Delhi put up a mammoth score of 219/4 in their allotted 20 overs largely due to a thunderous knock by Shreyas Iyer (93* of 40 balls).
In reply to Delhi’s 219, KKR lost early wickets but a blitz from Andre Russell kept them in the hunt until the 18th over when Russell was bowled by Avesh Khan. In the end, Delhi went on to win the game by 55 runs.
In a match that ebbed and flowed, let us look at the three masterstrokes that literally turned the game in Delhi’s favour.
#3 Gambhir dropping himself for this game
In sport, a change of leadership can bring wonders to the team. Gautam Gambhir made a bold decision a few days back when he announced that he would step down as captain for Delhi Daredevils and the mantle would be handed over to Shreyas Iyer for rest of the season.
To everyone’s surprise, Gambhir decided to sit out for this game and this turned out to be a masterstroke.
Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy was a breath of fresh air and Delhi Daredevils registered their first win at home in an important encounter. The youngster played a captain’s knock in helping his team put up a solid total on the board.
He followed it up with some excellent tactics on the field, be it field placements or bowling changes, which helped Delhi win the game.