By IANS,
New Delhi : Delhi Daredevils coach Greg Shipperd Monday reiterated that his team is banking a lot on the start provided by the explosive opening pair of Virender Sehwag and David Warner in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Deccan Chargers at the Ferozeshah Kotla Ground here Tuesday.
Sehwag (37) and Warner (46) smashed 75 runs in seven overs which proved critical in the team’s successful 188-run chase against the Pune Warriors in Navi Mumbai Sunday.
Shipperd is expecting another flying start from Warner and Sehwag against the Chargers.
“There will be expectations from Warner and Sehwag. Sehwag is a world class player in all forms and Warner has a strong reputation as a T20 player,” said Shipperd.
“We have a lot of hopes on them to get us to a fine start. It was good that our batting clicked but it gets a lot easier for the middle order if they both get us off to a good start.”
Shipperd lauded the batting effort in the last game but said there were still areas where a lot of improvement is needed.
“It is a huge relief that we won after the two losses. It was an important game and the team responded really well. We were extremely competitive but still there are areas where we need improvement. We gifted them 20 runs more and there was some sloppy fielding. So we will have to plug those holes against a quality side like Chargers,” he said.
The Australian indicated that South African fast bowler Morne Morkel, who missed out the Warriors game due to injury, has a strong chance of featuring in the match. Morkel sweated out for an hour-long bowling session in the nets.
“Morne has got pace and bounce and it’s something we are looking to exploit in the tournament. There is a strong possibility that he plays but we make the final call in the strategy meeting before the match.”
Shipperd had earlier expressed concerns on the slow nature of the Kotla wicket as his squad has eight fast bowlers.
Asked about the wicket again, he said: “We are making good progress on the pitch but its not likely to happen tomorrow. But in future we are trying to have the option in which we can play on wickets with more grass and pace.”