For Delhi Daredevils, the Desert Safari (as one may call the United Arab Emirates leg of the Indian Premier league) was a case of more misses than hits. Though they didn’t return empty handed like defending champions Mumbai Indians, their struggle in certain areas was noticeable.
One of those areas of concern is obviously their death over bowling. Out of their five matches so far, Daredevils have bowled first four times and if we look at their statistics in the last five overs, their bowlers have conceded over 12 runs per over. Only once in four innings they managed to keep opposition below 11 runs per over during the last five overs — against Kolkata Knight Riders where they conceded 54.
Daredevils’ lead bowler Mohammed Shami too admitted the problem but said that the team is working hard to improve in the matches to come. “We need to improve our death bowling. We have given away a little bit more runs than we would have liked in the death overs. We are talking a lot about it and trying that we bowl better in death overs and also use the new ball well. It will be good for the team if we can contain the opposition with in 130-140. That’s what we will try to do,” Shami said during a media interaction on Wednesday.
like batsmen, bowlers also bowl well in combinations and here at the Delhi Daredevils, with completely new squad, they are still trying to find out the right one. Shami, who also spearheads Indian pace attack, feels that he doesn’t have a fixed new ball partner at Daredevils and that puts more pressure on him as he is expected to provide breaks in the initial overs. “Bowling for India is easier. With Bhuvi operating from the other end, it becomes a tad easier for me. His job is to swing the ball and try to contain. I can freely attack from the other end,” Shami said.
“Here (Delhi Daredevils) the combinations keep changing. We are still trying to find the right mix. (Shahbaz) Nadeem is a good bowler but I have to be more lethal with the new ball,” he added.
Hoping that the team would soon find the right mix, Shami said he was happy with the way coach Gary Kirsten and the entire support staff was working with the squad.
“This is first time I’m working with these guys. They guide us very softly and don’t put mental pressure on us. I think the good thing is that they observe each and every player very closely and based on that observation, they try to help them. I’m feeling good to be working with them. I’ll try to gain as much as I can during the time we’re here together.”