First Kevin Pietersen then Jesse Ryder and now Virender Sehwag, Delhi Daredevils are plagued with injuries one after another. Though Sehwag will return sooner or later, his absence in the initial matches is going to affect Daredevils’ chances to make it to the knockout round in this sixth edition of the Indian Premier league.
England’s Pietersen suffered a knee injury during the tour of New Zealand and New Zealand’s Ryder survived a life-threatening attack outside a bar in Christchurch, New Zealand. Both have been ruled out of the IPl-6.
And recently, Sehwag opted out of Kolkata Knight Riders tie on Wednesday citing back spasm but was expected to play in Delhi.
When he didn’t turn up for team practice on the eve of their match against Rajasthan Royals at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium on Friday, there were obvious questions about his availability and the status of his back.
And, David Warner cleared the air: “He (Sehwag) is not playing tomorrow as he has not fully recovered. He is a lot better than what was before although his movement has been a bit sluggish.”
Without the services of their highest scorer last season, Sehwag, once again, Delhi will have no choice but to send young Unmukt Chand, who was dismissed on the first ball by Brett lee on Wednesday, to open the innings with Warner.
All the responsibilities to post a big total against Royals, who have a reputation of punching above their weight, on Saturday now lie on Warner and captain Mahela Jayawardene.
Rajasthan, on the other hand, have own problems to tackle. Their main player Shane Watson is likely to join squad on Friday night which means he will not be available for selection on Saturday.
For a side which had to play catch up during the fag end of the league stage last two editions, the Royals will be looking to start with a win this time.
The Rahul Dravid-led side doesn’t have many big names to boast of but the presence of several proven T20 specialists give them a good chance of winning this match, especially now when Daredevils are down with injuries.