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Delhi Daredevils are on a mission. Their astounding march in this edition of the Indian Premier League has shaken up conventions and opened up the points table.
As they return home after savouring yet another away triumph, they are counted among the candidates to make the knockout stage. Up next for them are struggling debutants Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS), who have been hampered by a spate of injuries to their top players.
Daredevils’s solid eight-wicket victory over Gujarat Lions has been yet another proof of tactical acumen and balanced team selection. To add to their confidence, their fifth win from seven matches catapulted them to the second place. On the other hand, RPS, led by charismatic Mahendra Singh Dhoni, are without Steve Smith, Kevin Pietersen and Faf du Plessis and have picked only two wins from their eight matches. They would need something drastic to lift themselves up from their current sixth position.
It must be an unusual situation for Dhoni, who had led the most successful IPL team, Chennai Super Kings, for eight years before its suspension owing to spot fixing. In the middle of the tournament, RPS had to draft in two new players -- George Bailey and Usman Khwaja as replacements for Du Plessis and Kevin Pietersen. As they bend down to work out their final XI, RPS may also have to rethink new strategies if they wish to extend their stay in the tournament through their remaining six matches.
Khwaja, the attacking left-hander, can be paired-up with Ajinkya Rahane for the opening slot while Bailey will be expected to marshal the depleted the middle-order. Dhoni, Thisara Perera and Rajat Bhatia can rally around down the order.
The bowling has been the weak link for RPS and has failed to defend totals, even of 195 against Lions. R Ashwin, Ashok Dinda, Albie Morkel and Perera have not been upto the mark.
In contrast, Daredevils’ bowling has been their best feature in the tournament. The captaincy of Zaheer Khan has garnered praised and so have his unorthodox field placements. He has led from the front, using his cutters with efficiency and skillfully handling both new and the old ball.
Chris Morris has been impressive with his speed and death bowling, not to forget his seamless capability to use the long handle. However, it is the Indian leg-spinner Amit Mishra who is proving himself to be the game changer. He has arrested the run flow, attacked with flourish and has broken key partnerships.
Another impressive aspect of this Daredevils unit has been the way the blend of youth and experienced has clicked. The youngsters have repeatedly been given the stage to perform and they have seldom disappointed. The attacking left-hander Rishabh Pant, promoted to the opening slot against Lions, won hearts with his half century. Quinton de Kock, Sanju Samson and Karun Nair all have scored under various pressure situations with JP Duminy anchoring the middle-order.
The Daredevils would now be looking to wrap up their last encounter at Feroz Shah Kotla stadium on a high.