There's good news for Delhi Daredevils fans with both Virender Sehwag and Ross Taylor fit for the play-off match against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Delhi Daredevils head coach Eric Simons informed that skipper Virender Sehwag and New Zealand batsman Ross Taylor have recovered from their bouts of flu and will be playing in the play-offs against Kolkata Knight Riders, here tomorrow.
"We didn't have an extended practice session for them. They had light practice as both were recovering from bouts of flu. We are confident that they would be fine," Simons stated on the eve of his team's match.
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The Daredevils have been the most consistent team in the group league stage but Simons would tell you that it won't have any bearing when the two teams square off at the Subrata Roy Sahara Stadium tomorrow.
Virender Sehwag is expected to be back for the play-offs.
"It is rewarding that we have finished on top but in Twnety20, you don't really get a platform. The match between RCB and deccan Chargers yesterday showed that. There was one team that was doing great and the other team was struggling. yet Chargers came on top."
Asked about the mantra for success during crunch matches, Simons pointed out on a number of aspects that needs to fall in place.
"We have to be aware about where exactly we are emotionally and mentally. We have to do the basics correctly and it is important to end on the right side of the contest."
In the past four seasons, Daredevils had made it to the last four in the first two editions and many believe that they are a "good semi-final team." "I would only be too happy if people start believing in that," Simons said in jest.u00a0
The former bowling coach of the India team had words of praise for opposition captain Gautam Gambhir and 'mystery spinner' Sunil Narine.
"KKR has been a consistent side in the league stages. Obviously Gautam has batted well and Narine has bowled well for them. But there have been a few others who have made significant contributions. We respect each and every player in their side. They have had the ability to put opposition under pressure."
Simons also feels that likes of Umesh Yadav, Varun Aaron have evolved as cricketers in the past one year which has been key to team's brilliant show in the competition so far.u00a0"When we left last year, we had a discussion as to how everyone needs to grow and mature as cricketers. From Morne and Irfan to Umesh and Varun, everyone has improved which has helped the team. The best part is that we have been calm as a unit. We haven't been caught up too much with what has been going around us. Our team changes have been consistent. We have had solid reasons whenever we have made changes."
The Pune track hasn't exactly been a batting paradise but Simons isn't overtly bothered about the nature of the strip. "We have been told that it will be a fresh wicket and which hasn't been used recently. We will have a look at the wicket. The main thig for each bowler will be to find their right area," the former South African pacer said.
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