IPL 2019 | Rishabh Pant and Prithvi Shaw have been delightful, says Vivian Richards

Delhi Capitals have looked like a whole new side this year as they have managed to go from strength to strength right from the very start of the 2019 season of the IPL. Ricky Ponting’s side ended the group stage at number three in the IPL ranking table having won nine of their 14 matches in the league losing five in the process. Shreyas Iyer & Co. will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the first eliminator on Wednesday as they aim to lay their hands on their first-ever IPL trophy.

In his recent column for TOI, Windies’ legend Sir Vivian Richard spoke highly of the young and dynamic Delhi squad. He singled out Rishabh Pant and Prithvi Shaw for special praise as he said the duo were not intimidated by any opposition this season.

"For the Capitals, it will feel like a new experience making it to the playoffs after a seven-year gap. However, this season they have been one of the most exciting teams to watch. The young Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant play delightful shots and show no signs of being intimidated by the occasion or opposition, a trait that I think is crucial to winning consistently.

"On Wednesday, in Vishakapatnam, an adrenaline pumping batting contest may be in store and this is where SRH will miss the explosive duo of David Warner and Jonny Bairstow and DC will miss their front-line bowler Kagiso Rabada," Richards wrote for TOI.

Meanwhile, Kane Williamson-led SRH became the first team to qualify for the playoffs with just 12 points in their bag. Richards reckons the Hyderabad-based franchise, who finished second last season, will have a slight advantage over their Delhi counterparts.

"Where SRH have an advantage is in the fact that they have been here before. They were lucky to qualify from the group stages, but they know the playoffs and the pressures of elimination," Richards added.