‘Delhi missing KP, Ryder’
Chennai: The absence of Kevin Pietersen and Jesse Ryder coupled with injuries to some key players at the start of the season were some of the reasons for Delhi Daredevils disastrous campaign in the ongoing Pepsi Indian Premier league, said coach Eric Simons. The Daredevils, who made the play-offs last season, are languishing at the second last position in the nine-team competition having lost 11 out of their 14 games this year. "We were in the rough losing the first three games but our players very honestly kept trying. But at the end of the day, being professionals you need to do the right things at the right time," Simons said after Daredevils slumped to its 11th defeat in IPl 6 after losing by 33 runs to table toppers Chennai Super Kings here on Tuesday night. "I think we missed KP (Kevin Pietersen) and Ryder and this was one of the main reasons (for poor show). Even in our first three games a lot of our players were coming from injuries. At that time even Umesh (Yadav) was injured and Mahela (Jayawardene) had a broken finger. "You need to take into account these things. It is a tough situation but such things are part of the challenge," he said.
‘Inconsistency biggest drawback’
Mumbai: Among all the cricketers playing in the IPl, Ishant Sharma sports the longest hair and today his Sunrisers skipper Kumar Sangakkara did put the lanky pacer in a spot by asking a question about his flowing mane. "Did you face any difficulties while pitching the ball in right areas when his hair falling all over his faceIJ" Sangakkara had a mischievous smile as he 'bowled one' to his teammate in the corridor of uncertainty. Ishant was however equal to the task as the question asked in jest was taken in right spirit. "I think it's a cool style for me. I saw you once, when you had long hair. Maybe I am trying to copy you and one day I can become the captain as well. I am really lucky (to have hair). I am not going to cut my hair," Ishant was seen replying in a seven-minute video uploaded by Puma Cricket Studio as part of an IPl initiative. Agencies