After collecting their first points in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Delhi Capitals (DC) are set to host a rampant Kolkata Knight Riders in the match no. 16 of the ongoing tournament. Rishabh Pant & Co outsmarted defending champions Chennai Super Kings in their previous fixture, winning the game by 20 runs. They would look to carry on the momentum when they lock horns with an undefeated KKR on Wednesday evening.
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Ahead of the much-awaited clash, DC skipper Pant caught up with former KKR captain and mentor Gautam Gambhir and head coach Chandrakant Pandit. The two senior figures were happy to see Pant fit and fine as the wicketkeeper-batter returns to the league after recovering from multiple injuries sustained in a horrific car crash in December 2022.
Gambhir, a former Delhi player and captain, was all smiles while interacting with Pant. Meanwhile, KKR coach Pandit lauded was impressed with how the 26-year-old regained his fitness and shredded a lot of weight.
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KKR adapting to challenges in Vizag
KKR have won both their matches (SRH and RCB) so far, relying on their spin bowling and their explosive batting. But coming to Visakhapatnam, they will look to exploit the conditions with a slow wicket on offer.
“The biggest challenge for us would be to understand and adapt to conditions. We are up for anything. It is the same surface for both the teams,” SRH coach Bharat Arun said on the eve of the DC vs KKR fixture.
Waiting for Mitchell Starc to fire
Starc has not lived up to his astronomical price tag so far in the IPL but bowling coach Arun has backed the Australia left-arm pacer, saying it’s just a ‘matter of time’ before he hits his stride. Starc’s combined figures from the first two games read an underwhelming 8-0-100-0.
“He is probably one of the most experienced bowlers in the world and also somebody who understands the conditions and adapts to it very well. I think you will see a different version of him in the future games,” Arun said.
Returning to the IPL after nine years, Starc was bought for a record sum of Rs 24.75 crore at the auction.
“We have been talking about his strengths. I’m sure he understands what it is and what it takes to succeed. The kind of experience he brings with him having played in all the conditions, it is just a matter of time before you see Starc return in his elements,” he said.
(With PTI Inputs)
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