On the eve of his team’s clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Delhi Capitals’ (DC) assistant coach Mohammad Kaif said that how Rishabh Pant and company counter the threat of star leg-spinner Rashid Khan on a slow Chepauk surface will hold the key.

SRH might be languishing at the seventh spot in the points table with only 1 victory from 4 games, but Rashid is having a great time in the ongoing IPL, claiming 5 wickets at a remarkable economy rate of 5.06.

“The way we play Rashid Khan is going to be the key for us on this pitch,” said Kaif in a team release.

Kaif acknowledged that batting on the Chennai pitch is difficult, but he backed DC’s experienced batsmen to be ready for the challenge.

“Shikhar has been batting really well and Smith batted well in the last game. Amit Mishra bowled beautifully in the last game, and we have Ravichandran Ashwin as well.

“Marcus Stoinis bowled well with the new ball in the last match and the way Rishabh has been leading the side, especially on a turning track, has been a great sign.”

All-rounder Akshar Patel recently made his much-awaited return to Delhi Capitals’ bio-bubble after recovering from COVID-19.

Talking about Akshar, Kaif said: “The balance of the Delhi Capitals squad is now perfect. He has been a key member of this franchise. He played a major role in the team finishing as runner-up last season and it will be no different this year. Axar, Mishra and Ashwin playing together will be a dream spin bowling attack for us.”

(With PTI inputs)