Only last week Kevin Pietersen and Mahela Jayawardene were representing their countries in a see-saw Test series between England and Sri Lanka. This week they are wearing the Delhi Daredevils jerseys and backing the team in its first home game of IPL-V against Chennai Super Kings.
The two stalwarts are thorough professionals and know well how to switch from one team to another or from one format to another.
“I thought I had enough of him (Pietersen) last week, but we will have a few more weeks to spend together,” said Jayawardene displaying his typical sense of humour, on Monday.
Pietersen also had a laugh over how the two had turned from “total enemies” to teammates.
The Daredevils camp was more than happy to welcome the two prolific batsmen with different styles but a similar appetite for runs. “Mahela and KP (Pietersen) will give a boost to our side. Any captain will love to have them,” said Daredevils captain Virender Sehwag.
It must be relaxing for Daredevils that its batting has got the required firepower as well as solidity due to these two.
Daredevils had a bright start to the tournament as it crushed Kolkata Knight Riders by eight wickets. However, it could not sustain its momentum in its next away match and fell short of Royal Challenger Bangalore's total by 20 runs.
Going into its first home game of this edition on Tuesday, Daredevils will look forward to addressing a few areas of concern. The bowling performance of Irfan Pathan is one such area. The all-rounder has made a mark with the bat, but let the side down with his expensive bowling figures. The left-arm seamer, who opens the Daredevils bowling, is yet to take a wicket.
However, other pacers in the side, such as Morne Morkel, Umesh Yadav (who has recovered from a cramp) and Doug Bracewell, have given decent performances.
The spinners, despite their low-profile status, have complemented well.
CSK, after its rare loss at home to Mumbai Indians in the tournament opener, seemed to have regained its rhythm when it crushed Deccan Chargers by 74 runs in Visakhapatnam.
With his all-round ability, Ravindra Jadeja steered CSK to the massive win. He will be one of the key members of the men in yellow.
Captain M.S. Dhoni, with several quality players at his disposal, may also surprise the host with some changes.
“We will take a decision after assessing the track,” said CSK's Faf du Plessis.
The tinge of grass on the Ferozeshah Kotla pitch for the night game is likely to determine the composition of the two teams, which are equal on points (two each). CSK, enjoying a higher placing because of its better net run-rate, will certainly be keen to spoil Daredevils' plans of starting its home engagements with a win.
