IPL 2018: Spinner the 8 teams are banking on

Delhi Daredevils (DD):

Although the focus is now on whether Mohammed Shami will be able to play for DD, the side led by Gautam Gambhir could turn into a surprise spin package in the tournament. Spearheaded by Amit Mishra, the most successful spinner in IPL and the second-most successful bowler after Lasith Malinga who also has as many as three hat-tricks to his name, the Daredevils look a decent spin unit.

From Shahbaz Nadeem to Nepal’s Sandip Lamichhane to Glenn Maxwell and a number of other young but potent options, Gambhir has a lot to choose from during the tournament. DD are the only team that hasn’t made it to the finals despite having played each season of the IPL and who knows, buoyed by Gambhir and a decent bowling attack, they could surprise the rest this time. DD’s lineup of supporting spinners includes Abhishek Sharma (slow orthodox), Rahul Tewatia (leg break) and Jayant Yadav and Gurkeerat Singh (off-break). DD’s advantage also lies in the fact that a lot of these local youngsters are known to be good batters.

Pros: Amit Mishra and Shahbaz Nadeem make DD’s spin attack formidable. The supporting bowlers can also chip in at crucial times.

Cons: Apart from Mishra and Nadeem, the supporting bowlers still lack enough experience and could find it difficult to replace any of those two in case there is an injury.