Aakash Chopra predicts the starting XI for the Delhi Daredevils

The Delhi Daredevils was one of the better teams in the IPL auction. After retaining a wicketkeeper, a top order batsman and an all-rounder in Rishab Pant, Shreyas Iyer, and Chris Morris, they built the squad around this trio. Moreover, they drafted their former captain Gautam Gambhir back into the squad and he will lead them this year. Gambhir has tasted some great success as IPL captain in his stint with the Kolkata Knight Riders.

They also studded their side with some good Indian and impactful overseas players. They have got a problem of plenty going into the tournament. However, cricket analyst Aakash Chopra picked the best XI for Delhi going into the eleventh edition of the IPL.

Contradicting many predictions that Gautam Gambhir will play at the No.3 position this IPL, he said that he would prefer him as the opener. He said either of Colin Munro or Jason Roy will open the innings for Delhi Daredevils alongside Gauti. Chopra felt it depends on the management to play Roy if they want to opt a right-left opening combination. Also, he said that the form of these two players going into the tournament will play a role. These two players can change the course of the game within no time and it will be interesting to see whom DD picks.

He said that the openers will be followed by Shreyas Iyer, Rishab Pant, and Glenn Maxwell in the middle order and that the No. 6 and No. 7 are preferred for the all-rounders. Hence, Vijay Shankar and Chris Morris will take these positions. He felt Morris could also be used as a floater in the lineup. Amit Mishra and Shahbaz Nadeem will burden the responsibilities of the spin department. Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Shami will be the two pacers in the side.

Akash Chopra’s predicted XI for Delhi Daredevils:

Gautam Gambhir (C), Colin Munro/ Jason Roy, Shreyas Iyer, Rishab Pant, Glenn Maxwell, Vijay Shankar, Chris Morris, Shahbaz Nadeem, Amit Mishra, Mohammed Shami, Kagiso Rabada.

Here's picking the first possible XI for @DelhiDaredevils on #AakashVani Does it match yours? pic.twitter.com/3vUaioIkIR

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 31, 2018