Team Preview : Delhi daredevils “A new team, a new beginning”

The daredevils were in shambles in the last few seasons, which culminated in a last place finish in the last season. The owners were determined to make some changes and change is what they have got. A new coach, a new captain and a brand new over-hauled side, sans their icon Virender Sehwag. That’s Delhi for you. And boy do they look strong.

The Batting line-up:
Delhi has a good mix of Indian and foreign players and their batting line-up is one of the best of the tournament.  Expect some fireworks from their new captain, a certain Mr. Pietersen, who must be itching to go out there and prove a point, and some lusty blows to the cow corner by Ross Taylor. Duminy is also coming off some fine performances in the world T20 for South Africa and would be an important cog in the line-up. They also have some good Indian batsmen in Murali Vijay, Saurabh Tiwary, Lakshmi Ratan Shukla and Dinesh Kartik. Kartik was sold for the second highest bid (12.5 crore) and comes in with a lot of expectations. He could be entrusted to open, a role he has often played for the Indian team. They also have the option of opening with Mayank Agarwal, the talented youngster from Bangalore.

The Bowling arsenal:
The Daredevils might face a bit of an issue with the ball as the Jharkhand pair of Rahul Shukla and Shahbaz Nadeem are inexperienced and may wilt under pressure. Nadeem has shown that he can prosper in the big league, but only time will show if he keep his consistency at this level. The leg spinner, Rahul Sharma has sparkled in the past but has been inconsistent with his line and lengths. Delhi also has the option of playing a bowling all-rounder (Neesham/Parnell) and dropping either Taylor or Duminy.

The support team:
The man at the helm is no stranger to the Indian cricket lover. Gary Kirsten returns to the country which he helped win the world cup, but this time as the coach of the Daredevils. He will bring in much needed calmness and belief in the dressing room. That he is held in high regards was already evident when Pietersen expressed his keenness and desire to work with the great man.

Availability:
There are no availability issues with the team, with Pietersen’s international career all but over and none of the other first choice international players slated to leave. However a finger injury Pietersen sustained during nets is giving the management sleepless nights. He however has expressed confidence that he will be able to take the field in the game against Bangalore.

Player to Watch:
Kevin Pietersen: This guy is dangerous, this guy is hungry and this guy is hurt.  He is genuinely good when he has his back against the wall and he has proven it time and time again. After his unceremonious sacking by the ECB, he has been rendered a T20 mercenary.  Expect Pietersen to make this tournament his own.

Probable 11:
Murali Vijay, Dinesh Kartik, Kevin Pietersen(c),  Ross Taylor, J P duminy, Manoj Tiwary, Saurabh Tiwary/Lakshmi Ratan Shukla, Nathan Coulter Nile, Mohammad Shami, Rahul Shukla, Shahbaz Nadeem

Rate: 8/10

Prediction: Should make it to the semi-finals at-least.