The aim is not to finish last. Delhi Daredevils and Pune Warriors have nothing at stake. Yet, they have so much to fight for.
There are no fears of relegation but prestige is involved as the Indian Premier League meanders to its last stages.
The Ferozeshah Kotla has not produced many gripping encounters in this edition of the IPL and this one is hardly expected to raise the competitive levels.
True, a number of star players would be on view, including some from the past, but motivation would remain the biggest challenge.
Lot of value
Delhi coach Greg Shipperd, however, attached a lot of value to the contest. “It is important to win. We don't want to finish at the bottom. We have not achieved the targets this season but our grooming process continues.
“The middle order may not have performed but then we have to build on this team,” said Shipperd.
Pune Warriors captain Yuvraj Singh hoped his team would win. “We would not like to lose this match. We just want to forget the past and look ahead. We are prepared for the match. It will be contested as seriously as any of the previous matches.”
Disastrous season
Delhi's performance has been disastrous this season and much has been said about the combination the team management had arrived at.
Limited options
The options have been limited and the poor form of most of the players hardly helped the team's cause.
The absence of Virender Sehwag in the last few matches only added to the team's woes.
The local fans would get an opportunity to see Sourav Ganguly, possibly in his last appearance at this venue.
It is unlikely the former India skipper would continue his love with competitive cricket.
He might prefer a different role next season though. A big show from him, however, would make the day for the fans.
