IPL 9, Match 31: GL v DD - 5 Talking Points

The Delhi Daredevils cruised to yet another win in IPL 9 courtesy of a thumping 8-wicket win over the Gujarat Lions at Rajkot. Having won the all-important toss, Zaheer Khan opted to put the Lions into bat first and soon reaped the seeds of his decision. Despite a late blast from Ravindra Jadeja, one man in the Delhi jersey stood out from the pack. 18-year old starlet Rishabh Pant slammed an audacious half-century, virtually sealing the win for the Daredevils. Thus, despite an indifferent start from the Daredevils to the campaign, they are now serious contenders for qualification to the playoffs of the tournament.

1. Daredevils bowlers knock over Lions top order:

The Delhi Daredevils threw a zinger in the way of Suresh Raina and co by introducing the wily Shahbaz Nadeem. The southpaw, who hasn’t played much cricket of late, made his way into the side and was given the new ball by skipper Zaheer Khan. He failed to disappoint as he picked up the crucial wickets of Dwayne Smith and Aaron Finch. This was backed up by the skipper himself who cleaned up the destructive Brendon McCullum. The fall of skipper Suresh Raina however, saw that the Gujarat Lions were 76 for four with 11 overs played.

2. Dinesh Karthik ensures revival:

Dinesh Karthik has been the go to man for the Lions each time there is a crisis within the team. It was no different on the night against the Daredevils as he played yet another innings of immense responsibility. The 30-year old Tamil Nadu batsman walked out to the middle with his side stuttering at a frugal 3-24 at the end of the fourth over. Needless to say, the irresistible wicketkeeper-batsman smashed his way to a valiant half-century as the Gujarat Lions managed to save face in their home ground.

3. Ravindra Jadeja adds finishing touches:

The importance of Ravindra Jadeja in the side cannot be quantified. His skill is such that he picks himself in the starting XI. However, while he is world renowned for his amazing bowling prowess, Jadeja’s batting came to the fore this time around. Having joined his compatriot Dinesh Karthik in the middle, Jadeja’s job was crystal clear. He smashed the ball as hard as he could and was able to muster four boundaries and a six. He smashed 36 runs to the good in barely 26 deliveries, helping his side to a decent total of 149 from their quota of 20 overs.

4. Quinton de Kock roars back from absence:

Quinton de Kock’s absence may not have resulted in a Delhi loss, but it was sure as hell a positive addition. The 23-year old was instrumental once again for his side with a fine 46. He was effective in laying a foundation for the side within the first six overs as well as playing second fiddle to the sizzling Rishabh Pant. His comeback innings saw him slam a whirlwind 46 including his customary offside plunder for runs.

5. Rishabh Pant springs a pleasant surprise:

Rishabh Pant was signed by the Delhi Daredevils for big bucks. While questions were raised regarding the price tag of the starlet, Pant finally made his opportunity count against a decent Gujarat Lions bowling attack. The southpaw slammed a wonderful 69 off just 40 deliveries at an audacious strike rate of 172. His compilation also included 9 boundaries and 2 sixes, a performance that saw him, quite undisputedly be named as the man of the match. Sanju Samson and JP Duminy followed the irresistible Pant to complete the match.

How did Twitter react to the game? – Twitter Reactions: Pant, de Kock star as DD thrash Gujarat Lions in a one sided encounter