Former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth believes that Delhi Capitals (DC) can only have the upper hand against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) had individual performances come good. DC will clash against SRH in the second qualifier on Sunday (November 8) to face Mumbai Indians in the grand finale of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 on November 10.
In the column written to Times of India, Kris Srikkanth had measured SRH above in all the departments when comparing to DC and concluded that Hyderabad was likely to be the winner. But he believes that some ‘individual brilliance’ can change the momentum for DC. He stated that Shikhar Dhawan, batting at the top, while Ravichandran Ashwin with the ball, needs to come good.
“Individual brilliance can fling any prediction through the window in this format. Delhi will only be hoping for Dhawan to have a fun-filled day and Ashwin to come good with the ball, especially during the powerplay,” Kris Srikkanth wrote.
Although DC has best pacers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, Srikkanth stated that Ashwin’s role is pivotal in powerplays because the pacers have not necessarily picked wickets in the first six overs.
“In (Kagiso) Rabada and (Anrich) Nortje, Delhi have two new-ball merchants who have picked wickets but not necessarily in the first six overs. This is where the contribution of Ashwin is vital,” he wrote.
Kris Srikkanth advises to Delhi Capitals:
At last, the former chief selector concluded that DC needs to bring Shimron Hetmyer back in the attack to boost the middle-order while Daniel Sams can be replaced with any Indian seamer.
“If I were to pick Delhi’s XI, I would definitely bring in (Shimron) Hetmyer to boost the middle order. The think-tank has to identify an Indian option for seamer Sams in order to give the side a better chance of upstaging a side that is on a roll,” he said.
Delhi Capitals have lost the first qualifier against Mumbai Indians. Although bowlers could not restrict MI to give massive targets, their batting performance was more disappointing. They need to come back stronger against SRH, who have momentum and rhythm all in their favour.