IPL 2018, Match 45, DD vs RCB - Delhi Daredevils Predicted XI

The Delhi Daredevils are down and out in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League. They are languishing at the bottom of the points table with no hopes of making it to the playoffs. However, having said that, it is worth noting that they can still play for pride. Moreover, they can be very threatening for the other sides in the competition and prove to be the party spoilers for them.

The first side that they face next in line is the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Team RCB is facing a similar crisis. They are on the brink of elimination and a defeat from hereon will seal their fate in the competition this year. With RCB playing for survival and Delhi Daredevils marching for pride, a cracker of a game is expected to unravel in Delhi.

While the Royal Challengers Bangalore will have to field their best possible eleven for the match, the Daredevils now have the luxury to try and test their benched players. They have nothing to lose and it will only be prudent to give chances to the players who have not been a regular face of the playing eleven in the season thus far.

Here is the Delhi Daredevils Predicted XI for the match:

Openers (Prithvi Shaw, Glenn Maxwell)

The Delhi Daredevils have found a very able batsman in Prithvi Shaw this season. The youngster has been very impressive and had already scored two fifties this year. The kind of form he is in, the exposure of the IPL will only help him get better in his game.

Shaw is likely to be partnered with Glenn Maxwell in the opening slot. The two batsmen have already been tried as openers on one occasion previously this season. Back then, Maxwell was unfortunate to get run out. It will be prudent from Delhi’s point of view to let Maxwell open against the fragile RCB bowling.

Middle-Order (Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Naman Ojha)

The middle-order looks very set for the Delhi Daredevils. Shreyas Iyer has been leading the side firmly this season, albeit the results have not gone his way. Despite the fact, Iyer is set to continue to be the mainstay of the middle-order for the hosts in the game.

Next in line is Rishabh Pant. Pant is the best batsman in the tournament for the Delhi camp. In the previous game, he had hammered an unbeaten 128 against the Sunrisers. His form in the tournament this year has been sensational and he would want to end the tournament on a high.

Naman Ojha is a beneficiary who could get a look in for the match. The veteran cricketer has largely not been picked in the lineup. With DD out of the contention for the players, it will be wise for the management to let the likes of Ojha get their chances.

All-rounders (Vijay Shankar)

In the all-rounder list, Vijay Shankar is likely to retain his place in the side. The Tamil Nadu cricketer has played the majority of games for Delhi this season. He, however, has not been very consistent. But a few handy cameos in the previous few outings will make him a certain starter in the match.

Spinners (Sandeep Lamichhane, Shahbaz Nadeem)

The spin department is likely to see a major change. There has been a lot of talk about Sandeep Lamichhane getting a chance in the tournament. The young Nepal leggie could create history by becoming the first cricketer from his country to feature in the IPL.

In addition to him, Shahbaz Nadeem can retain his place in the lineup. Nadeem has been largely out of form in the season. However, his good track record at the Kotla will bat for his case in the side. Nadeem will hope to come good in the last few fixtures.

Pace bowlers (Junior Dala, Harshal Patel, Trent Boult)

Trent Boult has arguably been the best bowler for the Delhi Daredevils this season. The Kiwi cricketer has been their spearhead this season. Boult is likely to play the match. He is among the top contenders to bag the Purple Cap this year.

Harshal Patel got his second opportunity to play in the season in the previous game. The pacer did a fine job with the ball. Also, he was used as a pinch hitter in the game who hit a couple of sixes as well. Patel should get another chance in the playing eleven.

Lastly, Junior Dala could make his IPL debut in the game. With the match being largely inconsequential for the Daredevils, it will be nice to let all their benched overseas stars get a look in for the remaining matches. The South African pacer has been in a good form in the shortest format of the game.

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