The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Double blow for Delhi

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Sunday, Nov 04, 2007
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Double blow for Delhi

NEW DELHI: Delhi suffered a double blow on the eve of its Ranji Trophy Super league match against Rajasthan when Ishant Sharma and Ashish Nehra were ruled out due to injury.

It was not an overnight development but Delhi had hoped that Ishant Sharma and Nehra would pull off a remarkable recovery to be fit for the season opener at the Ferozeshah Kotla here. The setback would, however, give young left-arm seamer Pradeep Sangwan a chance to display his talent. According to Virender Sehwag, Delhi has a potential match-winner in Sangwan, who would make his debut.

Debut as coaches

Vijay Dahiya and K.P. Bhaskar would also be making their debut as coaches, for Delhi and Rajasthan respectively. Dahiya retired last season and was confident that the players would make the most of the chances. “We have had a few minor hiccups in the pace department. It was our strong point. We would miss Ishant Sharma and Nehra. We don’t have many options either. It is for the youngsters to now show what they are capable of. Our batting has not been affected but the bowling certainly has suffered a setback,” said Dahiya.

On a pitch that sports a deceptive layer of grass, Rajasthan would rely on Sanjay Singh, a burly fast bowler. Rajasthan, which fared poorly last season finishing at the bottom of the table, is coached by former Delhi captain Bhaskar.

Eyeing good start

“We are not making any tall claims. The aim is to make a good start to the season and we have the capacity to surprise Delhi. I have faith in my players and hope we make a decent beginning,” said Bhaskar.

Delhi will include seven batsmen — Shikhar Dhawan, Aakash Chopra, Mayank Tehlan, Rajat Bhatia, Mithun Manhas, Virat Kohli and Puneet Bisht (wicketkeeper). The bowling department will have three seamers in Amit Bhandari, Kuunal Lall and Sangwan while Chetnya Nanda, the leg-spinner, will be the only slow bowler.

In Pankaj Singh, Rajasthan has a bowler with the desire and fire to make it big. He is part of a team that is going through a process of regaining its glorious past when Rajasthan was a force to reckon with. — Special Correspondent

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