RCB's batting line-up looks superior, says Morkel

Delhi Daredevils' pacer Morne Morkel on Friday said that Royal Challengers Bangalore's batting line-up wears a superior look with all their top-order batsmen in fine form.

"This year's RCB team is different from the last edition. Apart from (Chris) Gayle, Virat Kohli and AB de Villeirs have been playing well. Lot of confidence comes from Gayle. It would be nice to get him out early, but we have to respect all other players," Morkel told reporters here.

Morkel, who played a stellar role yesterday in changing the course of the match in Delhi's favour by claiming three Kolkata Knight Riders wickets, said that tomorrow's game against the RCB would be a tough one.

"Gayle, de Villiers and Virat are quality players. We are looking forward to go there in the middle and focus on getting our basics right," he said.

Asked whether the absence of star players like Mahela Jayawardene, Ross Taylor and Kevin Pietersen upsets the team balance, Morkel said, "Consistency is the key. It is a long tournament. You want all of them in your dressing room. I think it would be fantastic for us. They are going to make a deadly combination."

Praising skipper Virender Sehwag for inspiring the team, the South African pacer said, "I have played a couple of times with him. He is just a class act. He is hungry and keen to do well for Delhi and India. I really see hunger for runs in his eyes which is great," he said.

On Daredevils' previous IPL performances, Morkel said, "We made mistakes in the past which we could not control. We spoke about it and we have different strategy up our sleeves this season."

First Published: Apr 07, 2012 00:02 IST