Delhi Daredevils franchise is not at all amused with it (team) playing first five league-stage games away from home, as per a report in TOI.
Delhi Daredevils’ first home game will only come on April 23 when they face Kings XI Punjab in the 22nd league stage game of the tournament.
The first five games which the franchise will play away from home can have a big impact on team’s chances in the tournament.
Every franchise tries to take home advantage at the start, but this time around Delhi Daredevils will have to wait for long.
Interestingly, the franchise was set to play few matches at their second home. Ekana Stadium was running to host few matches for Delhi Daredevils.
It was only Ricky Ponting, new Head Coach of Delhi Daredevils, who did not want the franchise to play at two venues.
As per him, it affects the performance of a team while playing at two venues. Hence, the franchise decided to drop this idea.
Delhi Daredevils gaining home advantage late could really have a big impact on the team.
The game had to be shifted to Mohali due to the closure of Chandigarh airport.
This will see Kings XI Punjab playing Mohali leg of IPL first.
Delhi Daredevils’ next home game on April 21 against Royal Challengers Bangalore had to be pushed to May 12 due to Karnataka elections.
Now, the Gautam Gambhir led team will first play RCB in their home and then at Feroz Shah Kotla.
Delhi Daredevils’ home games will be played on April 23, 27, May 2, 10, 12, 18 and 20 May respectively.
The team has already kicked off the preparations for the IPL season with Ricky Ponting also joining the pre-season camp.
The team will soon fly to neighbourhood state i.e. Punjab to play the opening game of the season on April 8 in Mohali.
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