IPL 2018: Delhi Daredevils face Rajasthan Royals in must-win encounter
Delhi Daredevils face an uphill task of treating each game as a virtual knock-out in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 as they prepare to host Rajasthan Royals in New Delhi on Wednesday
The equation continues to get more difficult for Delhi Daredevils after a demoralising defeat against Chennai Super Kings but no way are they out of the race, not yet. With just six games left in the league phase, Delhi Daredevils know they need at least five wins to stay in the reckoning for the playoffs. If nothing else, this should provide some clarity of thought.
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Also of some relief would be the fact that the Daredevils, on the road most of the time till now, will play their last four matches at home. That means no travel in the last two weeks of the league phase. Ask any team and that is a huge advantage as it allows more time for strategising and more importantly, rest. But to make the most of that phase, Delhi Daredevils have to keep themselves in contention by winning against Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday.
Opening woes
Rajasthan Royals have an imperious record against Delhi Daredevils, winning 11 out of 17 clashes so far. But they have only won once outside home. Delhi Daredevils would surely take note of that. But Delhi seem too reliant on the Indian trio of Prithvi Shaw, new captain Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant to buttress their batting.
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Here is where Glen Maxwell can lend some perspective. After opening the batting in the first match, Maxwell has batted at different positions. Someone who needs few deliveries to get his eye in, Maxwell could be of greater impact if allowed to get back to at least No 3, if not opening the batting. And Delhi need that too, stitching 1, 50, 4, 7, 25, 59 and 10 in their opening stands so far. Only a strong opening stand can give the likes of Iyer and Pant permission to go ballistic in the middle overs.
What about Gambhir?
For two consecutive matches, Gautam Gambhir hasn’t featured in an IPL match. While the knives maybe out after his questionable performance that led to him abdicating the captain’s mantle for Iyer, Delhi could try him again in the opening slot with Shaw so that Maxwell, Iyer and Pant could follow in and bat according to the situation.
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With Delhi’s bowling not showing enough steel against Chennai Super Kings, few changes could be on the anvil. Especially Liam Plunkett who went for 48 runs. Barring Avesh Khan and Rahul Tewatia, Delhi Daredevils’ bowling hasn’t really done much talking. So it might be down to their batsmen again to salvage the team’s fortunes. To do that, Delhi need to make quick amends at the top.
