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Williams corners Delhi on final day
Delhi allrounder Rajat Bhatia keeps his record of dropping a catch in each match intact when he dropped Connor Williams, reports CS Luthra.
It was the same old story for Delhi. After missing “three” possible points against Baroda — though after gaining two to take their tally to six from three matches — Delhi coach Chetan Chauhan narrated said: “We've done well compared to the last season. We've measured our strengths and weaknesses and will try and put up a better show with a better set of players in the next game.”
Before we get back to Chauhan, here is a summary of what happened on the final day: Delhi started the day with the knowledge that they could force a win if seamers Ashish Nehra and Ishant Sharma got early breakthroughs. Baroda, with nine points from two matches, needed to bat through the day to force a draw.
Delhi allrounder Rajat Bhatia kept his record of dropping a catch in each match intact when he dropped opener Connor Williams at point when he was on 41.
Shikhar Dhawan too dropped Williams on 53 at first slip, and Ishant was the sufferer on both occasions. Williams made Delhi pay as he steered Baroda to a draw with a fine 106.
Ishant finally got the first breakthrough by bowling out Rishikesh Parab for 32, before Kunnal removed Rajesh Solanki for six. Nehra packed off Baroda skipper Jacob Martin in the last over of the first session, Baroda going to lunch at 108 for three, clearly staring at defeat.
Delhi needed to remove southpaw Williams, and all eyes were now on Delhi's only off-spinner, Yogesh Sachdeva.
He came, he got smashed and was finally dispatched to a distant fielding position to prepare for the coming seasons. After a spell of 5-0-31-0, his deed was done. Skipper Mithun Manhas, a part-time Delhi offie, was forced to fill in for the “specialist”.
Manhas said he was forced to use Sachdeva sparingly because “he was getting hit all over. So I had to bowl more than him.”
No Delhi player or official criticised Sachdeva's selection, and all Chauhan had to say was: “I wish all the selectors were here watching play.”
Only one selector, Vinay Lamba, has been watching the match, while the chairman of the selection committee, Atul Wasan, is seen more on TV doing commentary for Ranji games.
Incidentally, the coach last year, Madan Lal, came under heavy criticism for his TV stints.
Chauhan indicated that there would be an another selection meeting, but history would suggest that there would be no change for the positive.
Asked if he got the best 15 players to start the season, he said: “No.”
Email C Shekhar Luthra: shekhar.luthra@hindustantimes.com
