IPL 2018, DD vs RR Delhi Daredevils (DD) today's probable playing 11 against Rajasthan Royals (RR)
A new-look team, captained by comeback-man Gautam Gambhir, couldn't get off to the best of starts in the IPL 2018. Flattened by an unexpected onslaught from KL Rahul, the side were unable to defend 166, with the Bangalore boy's knock, the fastest 50 in the IPL ever, knocked the living daylights of the Delhi bowlers.
They will have to recover quickly, even as they face the Rajasthan Royals, who themselves succumbed to an embarrassing loss to the Sunrisers.
Here's what the Delhi lineup could look like:
Gautam Gambhir will start off the proceedings for the Daredevils, as expected. He looked in solid nick against the Punjab side and scored a 42- ball 55 that formed the backbone of the Delhi innings.
Colin Munro did not have the best of starts to the IPL and was captured by KXIP's teenage debutant Mujeeb Zadran. Known for his six-hitting prowess, the Kiwi could just be warming up for something bigger.
Shreyas Iyer was one of the three players retained by the Delhi franchise, with the youngster having shown his enterprising batting skills in the last few seasons. Now part of the Indian team's limited-overs squads as well, Iyer's stocks have risen, so will the responsibility on him.
Dan Christian, being a veteran T20 all-rounder with loads of experience, hung around with Morris to help Delhi post a healthy score, and also picked up a wicket, giving away only 12 runs in the 2 overs he bowled. Despite his performances, Glenn Maxwell could get a look-in, as his game-changing style could work in favour of the Delhi franchise.
Vijay Shankar didn't have the best of times during his first international innings in the recently concluded Nidahas Trophy and was the centre of some flak amidst the joyous celebration of Dinesh Karthik's knock in the finals. He will be itching to perform well in this IPL, and seal the all-rounder's spot in the leadup to the World Cup.
Rishabh Pant is a dangerous customer, as an opener or in the middle order, and can provide blistering starts or end the innings with a flourish, whatever be the need. As a keeper, he is athletic and efficient and will be the key to the Delhi middle-order sticking together.
Rahul Tewatia was pushed ahead of Chris Morris in the last game - playing against the side he debuted for last year, the 24-year-old couldn't get going, falling to Ashwin for a 7-ball 9. With his leg-spin, he was on the money, giving away only 24 runs and taking a wicket.
Chris Morris can wield the long handle to telling effect, and churned out his big strokes against Punjab to take the team past 150 with a 16-ball 27. With the ball, he gave away 25 runs in his three overs, taking a wicket in the process, but can be expected to play a more prominent role as the season progresses.
Amit Mishra has been one of the most consistently successful Indian bowlers in the IPL, staying relevant with the changing times, despite the emergence of a number of new leggies. He did not have a great start to IPL 2018, giving away as many as 46 runs from his four overs.
Trent Boult might be playing for a new franchise, but his thunderbolts are still in place, although he wasn't as economical as he would have wanted to against Punjab, leaking 35 runs in 3.4 overs. His left-arm pace carries the spark Delhi's bowling needs and he can be expected to lead the bowling attack in some style.
Mohammed Shami has gone through some tough times on the personal front, but is back to doing what he does best, make the ball talk. He has proved his worth for the Daredevils over the years, and although he looked listless against Punjab, giving away 26 runs in two overs, trust him to come back in form soon.