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The Delhi Daredevils may have had a slow build-up to the league, but they have the right combination to upset the applecart of any of the high-profile opponents on their day.
GMR Holdings, real estate giants who are making major inroads in the capital city of India, went up to $84 million (Dhs 308m) to acquire what would be undoubtedly the best sporting brand in Delhi over the next three years.
They have also appointed Bollywood’s khiladi hero Akshay Kumar as the brand ambassador, but it seems to be more in a hurry to add the glamour quotient — a factor that is going to be an integral part of this contest.
A look at the line-up makes one realise that while they may be found a little wanting in star power, they could make it up with quiet efficiency.
Captain Virender Sehwag, who was overshadowed by some of his younger colleagues during India’s triumph in the World Twenty20 championship, is capable of lifting the team’s run rate to 10 or thereabouts in the first eight to 10 overs in the company of his state-mate Gautam Gambhir.
South Africa’s A.B. de Villiers, who was in tremendous form in the recent Test series in India, forms the backbone of a capable middle order which boasts Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik, Manoj Tiwary and Sri Lanka all-rounders Tillekeratne Dilshan and Farveez Maharoof.
The bowling has enough depth and, more importantly, variety. The retired Glenn McGrath, all of 38 years, can still be as notorious with his unerring line and can give his team the early breakthroughs.
Mohammad Asif, sharing the new ball from the other end, should be inspired at the presence of his role model, while Maharoof’s medium pace will be extremely helpful in the middle overs.
New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori, arguably the best left-arm spinner in the game today, and Dilshan’s tight off-spin comprise their slow bowling.
Sport Extra prediction: Will be semi-finalists at the very best.
Delhi Daredevils
Owner: GMR Holdings
Bought for: $84 million (Dhs 308m)
Designated player: Virender Sehwag
Most expensive player: Gautam Gambhir (Ind) $725,000
(Dhs 2.6m)
Coach: Greg Shipperd
Squad: Virender Sehwag (captain), Glenn McGrath, Daniel Vettori, A.B. de Villiers, Tillekeratne Dilshan, Farveez Maharoof, Brett Geeves, Yo Mahesh, Shoaib MalIk, Mohammad Asif, Rajat Bhatia, Shikhar Dhawan, Gautam Gambhir, Dinesh Karthik, Manoj Tiwary, Mithun Manhas, Pradeep Saangwan, Tejashwi Yadav, Mayank Tehlan, Yogesh Nagar, Amit Mishra.
Player to watch: Virender Sehwag
No surprises for guessing as to what makes ‘Viru’ the one to watch out for in this team. Nothing defines daredevilry, a word associated with his team, better than his style of batting, and a lot of his team’s fortunes will depend on the kind of starts he can give them.
After doing the job with panache over the past seven years for India, it’s now his turn to do his bit for Delhi, while his off-spin bowling can prove helpful in breaking partnerships.
Fixture List
April 19 Rajasthan Royals Delhi
April 22 Deccan Chargers Hyderabad
April 27 Kings XI Punjab Mohali
April 30 Bangalore Royal Challengers Delhi
May 2 Chennai Super Kings Chennai
May 4 Mumbai Indians Mumbai
May 8 Chennai Super Kings Delhi
May 11 Rajasthan Royals Jaipur
May 13 Kolkata Knight Riders Kolkata
May 15 Deccan Chargers Delhi
May 17 Kings XI Punjab Delhi
May 19 Bangalore Royal Challengers Bangalore
May 22 Kolkata Knight Riders Delhi
May 24 Mumbai Indians Delhi
May 30 First Semi-Final Mumbai
May 31 Second Semi-Final Mumbai
June 1 Final Mumbai
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