Coach Gary Kirsten
Last season Bottom
Best Semi-finals, 2008, 2009
Secret weapon
Saurabh Tiwary Once was the coming man of Indian and IPL cricket, but his star has faded in the past couple of seasons to the extent that Delhi bought him for a relatively knock-down price. The left-hander could prove a bargain, especially if he maintains the form that brought him a Ranji Trophy double-century earlier this winter.
Best Indian players
Murali Vijay Two T20 centuries to his name and a career strike rate of 122.79.
Mohammed Shami Wicket-shy of late but still one of India's best-regarded seamers.
Dinesh Karthik The India wicketkeeper was Delhi's most expensive auction buy.
Foreign contingent
Kevin Pietersen (England) England outcast has a point to prove in the IPL.
Ross Taylor (New Zealand) Few players in the world hit the ball harder than the New Zealander.
JP Duminy (South Africa) Elegant South African left-hander whose off-spin could also be valuable.
Jimmy Neesham (New Zealand) A 23-year-old all-rounder making his way with New Zealand.
Quinton de Kock (South Africa) Prolific age-group cricketer who is proving the same at senior level.
Nathan Coulter-Nile (Australia) Fast bowler who has earned rave reviews in Australia lately.
Wayne Parnell (South Africa) South African left-armer has had success in the UAE in the past.
One thing you probably did not know about Delhi Daredevils
After an unbecoming campaign in 2013, when they finished bottom of the nine-team table, the Daredevils were the only franchise to retain players. Then they made Pietersen captain, the biggest gamble for this season.
Paul Radley’s chocolate comparison
If they were chocolate they would ... eat themselves. Kevin Pietersen? Made of chocolate? He would like the taste so much he would be devoured in no time.
pradley@thenational.ae
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