IPL 2019 | Delhi Capitals tough opponents with consecutive wins and six-day rest, says AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers has stated that Royal Challengers Bangalore are well aware of the danger of an in-form Delhi Capitals side, who have also got six days of rest before hosting RCB at Feroz Shah Kotla. The hard-hitter also said that RCB would take time to settle on a tricky pitch before going all out.
Sunday’s first match would be between two teams in tremendous form after an erratic start to their IPL season when RCB would be visiting Delhi. While the Virat Kohli-led side approached the match at the back of three back-to-back wins over Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings, and Kings XI Punjab, Delhi have also won against Punjab and Rajasthan Royals.
And de Villiers has stated in his TOI column that RCB would be well aware of DC’s threat and despite RCB’s winning streak, no one in the squad has been talking about comebacks and making it to the playoffs.
"Such an achievement would represent a notable recovery for a team that lost their first six matches, but nobody around our squad is talking about comebacks. Our focus is unequivocally fixed on the match against Delhi Capitals in the Ferozeshah Kotla on Sunday. DC will be tough opponents. They have stayed around the top of the table for some time, they will be feeling confident following successive wins at home to KXIP and away to RR, and they will also benefit from a six-day rest," de Villiers wrote in his column.
Delhi Capitals haven’t been the best of home sides this season despite their brilliant form on the road, with the team losing thrice at the five matches played at the Feroz Shah Kotla. However, de Villiers seemed concerned with the spin-friendly track and an in-form Moeen Ali’s return to England ahead of the World Cup.
"The pitch will probably be receptive to spin, which means Yuzvendra Chahal may well have an important role to play for us, especially since in-form Moeen Ali has returned to England. From a batter's perspective, the key may be to get your head down on a tricky pitch, to survive a few overs and then take advantage of easing conditions. The pressure is growing, but we want to maintain the chilled approach that has served us well in recent days. When we were struggling to find a win, when we were being written off, we took a collective decision to relax and have fun,” he added.
