IPL 9: Can Zaheer Khan-Rahul Dravid Combo Change Delhi Daredevils' Fortunes?

The biggest problem that Delhi Daredevils faced for the last three seasons was finding a settled line-up. Big names don't yield big results and that's why Delhi Daredevils have barely been a successful side in recent IPL history.

Kevin Pietersen, Yuvraj Singh and Angelo Mathews hardly delivered the goods expected of them for Delhi in the past seasons. (IPL Auction 2016: Shane WatsonCostliest Player, Yuvraj Singh Costliest Indian)

This time around, Delhi daredevils haven't chosen any big names and instead have gone with all-rounders and young cricketers especially from the India's domestic circuit. Both Sanju Samson and Karun Nair, the players of now suspended Rajasthan Royals, have been chosen to do the job in middle-order. Rishabh Pant, India's second highest run-getter in 2016 U-19 World Cup, will most likely open alongside Shreyas Iyer. (IPL 2016: Defending Champions Mumbai Indians Remain As Lethal As Ever)

Pawan Negi, the batting all-rounder from Delhi and the surprise selection in India's 2016 World T20 squad, emerged the highest buy of the season for 8.5 crores.

In bowling, veteran star and captain Zaheer Khan will spearhead the attack alongside the fit-again Mohammad Shami and South African leggie Imran Tahir.

Delhi Daredevils New Members:

South African Chris Morris, who represented CSK and RR in last few seasons, was bought for a whopping 7 crores. (Indian Premier League 2016 Auction: Chris Morris Pulls Off a Seven-Star Stunner)

Carlos Brathwaite, the hero of West Indies World T20 win, was bought for 4.2 crores  (IPL: Delhi Daredevils Skipper Zaheer Khan Hopes Teammate Carlos Brathwaite Can Carry Forward World T20 Form)

Sanju Samson was bought for 4.2 crores and Karun Nair for 4 crores

Rishabh Pant was bought for 1.9 crores

Sam Billings, the England's wicket-keeper batsman, was bought for 30 lakhs

Among other buys, both Khaleel Ahmed and Pratyush Singh were bought for 10 lakh each, Joel Paris for 30 lakh, Pawan Suyal 10 lakh, Chama Milind for 10 lakh, and both Akhil Herwadkar and Mahipal Lomror for 10 lakh each.

Delhi Daredevils Coaching Staff:

Head Coach - Paddy Upton

Mentor - Rahul Dravid

Batting Coaches - Pravin Amre and S Sriram

Bowling Coach - T.A. Sekar

Delhi Daredevils Past Record:

2008: Semi-finalists

2009: Semi-finalists

2010: League stage

2011: League stage

2012: Playoffs

2013: League stage

2014: League stage

2015: League stage

Delhi Daredevils Team Potential:

Undoubtedly, Delhi Daredevils have the best young guns in their squad but how Zaheer and Dravid use them will hold the key. If likes of Iyer and Pant manage to give Delhi Daredevils a good start then a lot will rely on JP Duminy, Samson and Nair to play a blistering knock towards the end of the innings. Zaheer's fitness will be key in the bowling department where Shami has to perform out of his skin.