Bring them on, again!
The Delhi Daredevils have largely appeared a one-man army right from the first match this season. Halfway into the tournament, the new-look team hasn’t done anything spectacular to shake off the less-than-flattering view. Subhash Rajta reports.
The Delhi Daredevils have largely appeared a one-man army right from the first match this season. Halfway into the tournament, the new-look team hasn’t done anything spectacular to shake off the less-than-flattering view.
Much on expected lines, skipper Virender Sehwag has had to shoulder the lion’s share of responsibility in steering the team to three victories from eight outings so far. And, whenever Sehwag has failed to fire — it has happened more often than the skipper would have liked — the Daredevils have hardly dared the opposition.
HEAT AND SCHEDULE
Much of how Delhi fare against the Kochi Tuskers in Ferozshah Kotla — just a day after beating them in their backyard — will again depend on Sehwag. Apart from fighting against each other, the players will need to shrug off fatigue and searing heat with temperatures in Delhi soaring above 40 degree. Delhi, in particular, have played back-to-back matches in the last 10 days and could be tired.
Sehwag, however, doesn’t think much about it. “The packed schedule is not only for Delhi. One week you play four games and one week you play one game, it’s like that. Every team is playing back-to-back and I’m pretty happy with that,” he said.
HOME WOES
What must, however, be bothering the carefree Sehwag is the team’s poor run at home. Delhi have been better off away than at home with two of their three victories coming away from home. They won their first game at home on a new and lively track, but lost the next two, dousing hopes of stringing together a few consecutive victories.
In addition to their poor home run, what will compound their problem is David Warner going off the boil and a question mark on the availability of injured James Hopes. And, given how teams stand as of now, Delhi need to continue winning to keep themselves in the race for the qualifiers.
KOCHI CONUNDRUM
The situation is equally desperate for Kochi. They made a strong comeback after a disappointing start, only to lose the way once again. Their bowlers have done a decent job, but their batting needs to put in an improved show.