NEW DELHI: After an impressive victory to start off their home fixtures at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, here against Kings XI Punjab on Saturday, Delhi Daredevils have little time for celebrations. Next up are Kolkata Knight Riders who will pose another tough challenge but one that a confident Delhi will hope to overcome.
Knight Riders visit on the back of a 17-run victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at home, which made it three wins from four IPL matches so far this season, while Delhi, under the captaincy of Zaheer Khan, have also been equally impressive after recording one-sided victories in the previous two fixtures.
Kolkata though will be at ease with captain Gautam Gambhir and Manish Pandey in top form with the bat. While Pandey has been among the runs consistently, Robin Uthappa’s 68 from 39 in the last match will also be a welcome boost for the Kolkata side.
“After years of hard work, I feel settled with my new technique and really feel comfortable. I had a complete overhaul a few years ago and I feel myself now,” Uthappa said. “The team needs me at No 3 and I think it’s an important position to bat there. I’m glad I’m delivering for my team.”
Meanwhile, Delhi’s wins have come out of a whole team effort though players like Sanju Samson, the only centurion in IPL-10, Sam Billings and Rishabh Pant have impressed. However, in their previous win, it was the all-round efforts of Corey Anderson, Pat Cummins and Chris Morris that stood out.
“It was a great performance by everyone in the team. Billings and Sanju gave us a great start and the bowlers were brilliant once again. I am happy that I was able to play my part as a bowling all-rounder and I hope that we will be able to continue this run of form,” said Anderson, the man of the match versus Punjab.
“It was really important for us to start our home season on a high and that is why I believe that this win is special for us,” the Kiwi cricketer said.
adwaidh@newindianexpress.com