It’s been nine defeats from 12 matches so far for Delhi Daredevils and they still seem to be trying to figure out what exactly they are playing for. If in the initial phase the obvious aim would have been to qualify for the play-offs, but ever since they have got themselves knocked out of that race, ruining others’ calculations was the ultimate target. Daredevils, however, don’t seem to be intent on that too.
Though they looked to be trying their hand at that against Rajasthan Royals in the previous match, the top-order failure, with the exception of skipper Mahela Jayawardene, could not let them be a party spoiler at least. Even though their 155-run target was not too bad by T20 standards, their bowling definitely was as Royals had no problem in cruising to a nine-wicket win.
Come Friday, and Daredevils would take the field, this time at Feroz Shah Kotla against Royals Challengers Bangalore, with same aim once again. Must be very demotivating for anyone to play for nothing, but on a positive note, no aims might as well mean more fun. And, the situation that Challengers are in right now, they would not like to drop their guard. Especially not after a certain David Miller’s 38-ball stay at the crease the other day changed their status from just there to not yet. The visiting skipper Virat Kohli literally had ball on his face when he dropped Miller at 41.
Having been stunned by Kings XI Punjab in that fashion, the Bangalore side would definitely be more than prepared to save themselves from another such surprise.
Though Challengers’ Murali Karthik admitted that Miller’s innings was something they weren’t prepared for, he missed mo moment in assuring that his side was in no mood to relax even though the opponents would bottom-dwelling Daredevils. “Not even in our wildest dream we can take anyone lightly,” he said on the eve.
Challengers could have inched closer to the next stage had they won the previous encounter to go 16 points from 12 matches. Right now on fourth spot, ahead of Sunrisers Hyderabad on run rate, Challengers would no doubt be the hungrier bunch on Friday. Daredevils, with six points from 12 clashes, haven’t beaten anyone except Mumbai Indians at Kotla.
But as a cautious Karthik said, “They are a good team, but unfortunately, this season hasn’t gone well for them. They would be wounded tigers.” And, that is a reason enough for their Chris Gayle to rain big ones and the others to be as alert as they can be. “He is also a human being who can make mistakes. And if I can bowl a good delivery, he can get out. If you bowl a bad ball, he will smash it hard,” Daredevils’ Siddharth Kaul said of a player who has almost been a bowler’s nightmare so far, clearly reflecting his side’s carefree attitude right now.
“It’s not that we are down mentally. We are in a positive frame of mind and are focussed on winning. Unfortunately, only one team can win and we hope that we can play good cricket. It’s just that we haven’t clicked during close situations,” Kaul said as much.
With Chennai Super Kings almost assured of a play-off berth with their 20 points from 13 matches, Rajasthan Royals almost there with 18 from as many and Mumbai Indians having taken 16 from a match less, Challengers can surely not afford to miss these two points. For, they are away at Kolkata Knight Riders after this and host two difficult opponents in Kings XI and Chennai in that order.