IPL 2018, KXIP vs DD: 5 reasons why Delhi Daredevils lost

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The 2nd match of IPL 2018 was a clash between the perennial underdogs of the IPL. Gautam Gambhir-led Delhi Daredevils took on the Ravi Ashwin-led Kings XI Punjab at the PCA stadium, Mohali.

Ashwin won the toss and put the Daredevils into bat. The Delhi side got off to a slow start and never really got going in the middle overs either. Some lusty hitting by Rishabh Pant and Chris Morris ensured that they posted a competitive total. However, it was never going to be enough as KL Rahul smashed the fastest fifty in the history of the IPL.

The Kings cruised home with the help of some intelligent batting by Karun Nair. Let us now have a look at 5 reasons why the Delhi Daredevils lost the contest.

#5. No support for Gautam Gambhir

This game was a sort of homecoming for Gambhir and he didn’t disappoint his fans. While the other batsmen struggled to score runs during the powerplay, he played some delightful strokes.

He took a special liking to Axar Patel, whom he smashed for 3 fours and a six. However, Gautam’s role is more of a sheet anchor during the middle overs and he needs someone to strike those meaty blows from the other end. Unfortunately, that support never came. Shreyas Iyer and Vijay Shankar struggled with their timing while Rishabh Pant did hit some big shots off Tye, but departed soon thereafter.

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