The unperturbed picture of Gary Kirsten must be a source of inspiration for Delhi Daredevils (DD) as the team resumes its IPL-7 campaign with a home match against an upbeat Rajasthan Royals here on Saturday.
After experiencing two wins and three defeats in the UAE, Daredevils tied on four points and occupying seventh place on the points table, will look forward to the support of their loyal fans at the Ferozeshah Kotla to score some valuable points.
DD’s journey thus far has been inconsistent. If getting bundled out for 84 against Chennai Super Kings was a forgettable affair, restricting Mumbai Indians to 125 for six to record a six-wicket win was a morale booster.
DD will also take heart from its big chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad even though it lost narrowly. So far, DD has benefited from the individual performances of J-P. Duminy, who is fifth in the batting chart with 173 runs, and Murali Vijay.
Dinesh Karthik and Ross Taylor have got promising starts, while Kevin Pietersen is yet to unleash his powers.
DD’s bowling line-up — consisting of competent pacers such as Mohammad Shami, Wayne Parnell and useful spinners in Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Sharma — has to combine well to show its might.
Third-placed RR, on six points, is bubbling with confidence after its sensational Super Over win against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Its batting, led by opener Ajinkya Rahane and captain Shane Watson, has been far more consistent. It also has some capable batsmen in Steve Smith and Sanju Vishwanadh.
Effective yet low-profile all-rounders in Rajat Bhatia, Stuart Binny and James Faulkner provide solidity to the side. Young Australian fast bowler Kane Richardson has provided breakthroughs at crucial times, while leg-spinner Pravin Tambe has established himself as a match-winner.
With Rahul Dravid as its mentor, RR presents itself as a cohesive unit which can stun the best of the best.
