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Delhi Daredevils – Indian Premier League 5 – Team Assessment

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http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Delhi-c780 Daredevils – Indian Premier League 5 – Team Assessment

A season of plenty highs than lows, yet Delhi Daredevils’ campaign ended pre-maturely with fans craving for only one answer – why was http://www.senore.com/Cricket/M-Morkel-c73528, their purple cap holder, omitted for the all important clash against Chennai Super Kings? - Ultimately sealing
their third-place finish, despite concluding the league phase as the top team.
Following a dismal fourth edition, where they finished bottom, Delhi went into the auction determined to get some renowned players. In came the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/LRPL-Taylor-c1849, all of whom remained a pivotal figure in restoring
Daredevils stature as the team to beat this year.
Top Players
The franchise had many bankable assets this term, and at the top of the pack included their skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/G-Gambhir-c1447 also in prime form, Sehwag’s performances were a timely indication that he is still
among the best openers for the national team.
Although he finished behind the above two mentioned players in terms of top run-getters, placed fifth with 495 runs, his strike rate of 161.23 stood out – the best among the players who amassed more than 400 runs. He also scored five consecutive half-centuries,
a rare feat in the shorter version.
Apart from his endeavours, this IPL was KP’s best. While he never restrains himself from speaking out his mind, "You've got world-class players who are sitting in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 now wanting to play the IPL when you've got some second-rate Australians getting gigs
here; he also did little in holding back on the cricket field.
In 8 matches he played for his new franchise, he scored a whooping 305 runs at 61.00, strike rate of 147.34, including a maiden IPL ton against Deccan Chargers. His departure was evidently felt in the knock out phases, where all big names failed.
Despite the batting efforts, Delhi’s season was heavily reliant on their fast bowlers. Morne Morkel remained the highest wicket-taker with 25 wickets, while http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Umesh-Yadav-c94625 further enhanced his reputation with some impressive displays and eventually finished
with 19 scalps.
They suffered in the spin department to an extent and ultimately that cost them a place in the final.
Disappointment and Joy
For a side finishing last just a year back, it was impressive on the team’s part to emerge as title contenders. Sehwag’s five successive fifties, KP’s valued performances, David Warner’s stupendous ton and their inclination towards playing fast bowlers were
some of the high points of their season – and obviously finishing at no.1.
The biggest tactical blunder, of not including Morkel in the second eliminator, proved decisive. However, in terms of individual showings, Ross Taylor’s patchy form was hardly wanted. Having been given the nod for most of the games, the Kiwi skipper never
really managed to pull out his best and eventually scored just 197 runs in 12 matches – In the end, knockout punches from Kolkata Knight Riders and Super Kings had somewhat destroyed their whole season’s promise.  
Final Assessment   
Overall, it was a more than satisfactory campaign for the side. The only issue to address will be to find a true home-grown batting talent. Reliance on Sehwag and the overseas player eventually paved way for their abrupt exit.
An experienced spin option could also be considered but it will be wise to nurture some of the youngsters like http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahbaz-Nadeem-c89339, who showed immense promise.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/James-Frederick-Sykes-c65697 Simmons, their head coach, had to face a lot of criticism after his error in judgment but was satisfied with the bowling composition in general.
"Negi did nicely, Nadeem did well. In that aspect we have moved well. I'm actually quite happy with the way Umesh has bowled. Morne as moved on as a Twenty20 bowler," said Simmons.   

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