Much can happen in a week in the Indian Premier League. Last Sunday, Delhi Daredevils was licking its wounds after equalling the dubious record of 11 successive defeats in the competition.
But back-to-back triumphs over Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad have brought the much-needed confidence back in the squad.
On Monday, Delhi hosts Kolkata Knight Riders that is also looking to score its third victory this season.
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But a strange factor, shared by these teams, is that neither franchisee has a single player from the city it presumably represents.
Going by performances since 2012, the teams are poles apart. If Kolkata is aiming for its third title, Delhi will be hoping to post its first-hat-trick of wins in India in three seasons! In fact, the last time it scored two straight victories was in Raipur in 2013.
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Therefore, in Monday’s battle between the defending champion and the most inconsistent team in the fray, it is not difficult to pick the favourite.
Here, at the Ferozeshah Kotla ground, Delhi has a dismal record. Since 2012, the host has lost 12 out of 13 matches.
The lone victory came against Mumbai Indians on April 21, 2013 — two years ago from this day. But the string of eight successive defeats at this venue could be broken on Monday should the Delhi batsmen play to their potential.
With skipper J-P Duminy showing the way with an allround show against the Sunrisers on Saturday and the fielders keeping their heads when it mattered, Delhi will surely take the field with renewed self-belief.
Delhi’s understated bowling department is playing its part but the batting, except against Rajasthan Royals, is yet to bloom.
To come out stronger against a tricky rival like Kolkata, Delhi needs to improve its performance level.
The presence of Mayank Agarwal and Shreyas Iyer at the top of the batting order for Delhi looks far from intimidating for any opposition.
Though they have shown flashes of brilliance, they are yet to evolve as match-winners.
Though the side has lost and won close encounters, it is some distance away from those considered as serious contenders for the playoffs.
It will be interesting to watch the ploys skipper Gautam Gambhir adopts, on his home ground, to foil fellow left-handers Duminy and Yuvraj Singh. Should Sunil Narine get to bowl to Duminy and Yuvraj, it should present a fine battle of wits.
Equally, a duel involving a disciplined Morne Morkel and an in-form Duminy should hold spectators attention.
Also, another South African, Pakistan-born leg-spinner Imran Tahir will be looking to test the opposition at the venue that fetched him four wickets against Rajasthan Royals.
Overall, Kolkata is a settled unit while Delhi is still settling in. Both teams have reasons to be upbeat after their hard-earned victories over the weekend.