Delhi Daredevils is in course-correction mode. With intent to reverse its fortune in the eighth edition of the IPL, the team is addressing the areas where it erred last year and took the wooden spoon.
One such area, according to captain J-P. Duminy, was the absence of enough all-rounders in the side.
This season, Daredevils has roped in at least six all-rounders and Duminy, an efficient all-rounder himself, is excited to have such flexibility in the side. “It is nice to have so many options with the bat and ball. I think that's what we lacked a little bit, last year. We did not have a lot of options with the bat and ball. That's something I am really looking forward to. In the three warm-up games we play here, we are going to understand what combinations will work for us,” said Duminy, following an intra-team practice match at the Palam ground here on Friday.
Duminy said the Daredevils must learn from their mistakes and get into the groove sooner than later. “Last season we were very bad in a lot of areas. This season we will rectify that...I think that is the disadvantage for us (in comparison) to most teams that they are pretty settled in how to go about the game. It is important for us to learn that very quickly and make sure we are on top of our game.”
Duminy, who joined the Daredevils in the 2014 edition, said it was important to get the newer members along. “I guess it is about rebuilding that culture, identifying who would be the senior players within the side. Obviously, it will be crucial for them to sort of partner me and make sure that we look after our team culture...It is a big season for us and we have got a big statement to make.”
On veterans Zaheer Khan and Yuvraj Singh, Duminy said: “Those two players offer a lot of experience. In my opinion, they are good enough to field anywhere. It is great to have them; most of the players will feed of their experience.”
“It is just understanding the dynamics of the game — the way you are best suited to positions.”
Duminy said even though the IPL was happening close on the heels of the World Cup there were no issues of ‘burn-out’ and the players enjoy being part of the show-piece event where the stakes are so high.
