Will the Daredevils live up to the expectations?

In the first four season of IPL, Delhi Daredevils has undoubtedly been the most underachieving team. In 2008 auction, they decided to go with names that were among the most promising in international game but most of them had not gained a superstar status by then. AB Devilliers, Dilshan , Gambhir all were yet to hit a purple patch in their career. Virender Sehwag was still trying to find his old touch that used to torment bowlers around the world. In bowling, their pace spearhead Glenn Mcgrath was accurate as always but age was quickly catching up with him.

After many ups and downs, their journey in season-1 ended in semis where they were beaten convincingly by Shane Warne’s Rajasthan Royals.

Before start of season-2, some new faces joined the Daredevils who played a pivotal role in making Daredevils a team to beat. Addition of Dirk Nannes, Ashish Nehra and David Waner strengthen the squad even more. Dilshan and Devilliers were sensational throughout the tournament. All was going in favour of Daredevils until Adam Gilchrist ripped apart Delhi’s attack in the semi final to produce one of the most memorable innings of IPL history.

Expectations were high again from the team when IPL returned in India in 2010. However their inconsistency throughout the tournament mainly due to the injuries and bad form of key players, ultimately forced an early exit.

In 2011 when a fresh auction was made, Daredevils decided to go for a complete overhaul of the squad. They decided to go with less known names over the experienced one as only Virender Sehwag was retained. The departure of Gambhir, Devilliers , Dilshan, Nannes and Amit Mishra created a huge void and new faces found it difficult to fill this space.

Sehwag who was made captain after departure of Gambhir, played some played some astonishing innings. His masterpiece against Kochi and Deccan Chargers won the game single-handedly. But he got very little support from other end. In the middle order only Venugopal Rao offered some ray of hope with some spirited performances. The T-20 specialists Aaron Finch and Travis Birt struggled on pitches that were slow and offered assistance to spinners. Bowling especially pace department looked well equipped initially but they lacked the penetration in the death overs. One of their costliest buys Irfan Pathan who returned from injury had an ordinary outing both with bat and ball. In the end Delhi finished at bottom of the table with just four wins.

However, this time around learning from their mistakes they have made some smart moves which might change their fortune.

Abject surrender of the middle order was one of their main problem last season and this time they have strengthen it with the addition of Mahela Jayawardene, Kevin Pietersen and Ross Taylor. Jayawardene who is one of the three players (Chris Gayle and Brendon Mccullum being other two) who has scored a hundred in every format Test matches, ODI, T-20 and IPL, will have to take the responsibility to anchor the innings through the middle overs.

Ross Taylor has suffered a blow on his hand from fellow Delhi team mate Morne Morkel during the third test between New Zealand and South Africa, which will keep him out for the starting part of the IPL. In his absence Kevin Pietersen needs to step up and fulfil the role of finisher.

Virender Sehawg will have point to prove when he will take the field. Despite the fact that he scored record breaking 219 against West Indies in December, His performance over the last year has been below standards. IPL is the perfect opportunity for him to silence his critics who have raised questions over his batting and leadership skill.

In this star studded batting line up all eyes will be on one man- David Warner. Warner has been in magnificent touch in the last 6 month or so where he has proved his credentials in every format. In October He scored back to back centuries for New South Wales in Champion league. Then he went on to score the quickest century by an opener against India in the Perth Test. This was followed by his heroics in CB series final where he scored hundred in first two final against Srilanka. Although Warner will be available only after 27th April as he will be playing test series in Caribbean.

Another exciting addition to their squad is Andre Russell. Russell has been impressive both with ball and bat since making his debut last year. Apart from his bowling, He is quite capable of using long handle to good effect which will come in handy in this short format.

Only area where Daredevils can be exposed is lack of quality spinner. Roelof van der Merwe is the only decent option available in the side. So once again onus will be on pacers to provide vital break through. Umesh Yadav and Varun Aaron have impressed with their pace but their main weapon could go against themselves in this relentless format. T-20 will test how quickly they will be able to make adjustment in their line and length.

Irfan Pathan who made a comeback to Indian one day team will try to make his case stronger with some handy performances. He is a rhythm bowler who can be completely different bowler altogether once he start getting swing working his way. He will also have a role in batting where he is expected to produce fireworks down the order.

Also local players who have been doing well in domestic circuit , the likes of Yogesh Nagar, Robin Bist and Naman Ojha will be eager to cash on this opportunity provided by IPL.

If all goes well for the Daredevils then this could prove out to be the season where they will shed the underachievers tag associated with them.