The Delhi Capitals (DC) missed out on securing a place in the IPL 2022 playoffs in what was an inconsistent campaign overall. The Capitals ended fifth after winning seven of their 14 games although there were a few silver linings, the most notable of which was India spinner Kuldeep Yadav's return to form.

The left-arm spinner concluded the season with 21 wickets and was the fifth highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Kuldeep said he had a great time playing with DC, and it reflected in his performance.

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While Kuldeep enjoyed his DC appearances, another India bowler did not have the best of time. Chetan Sakariya, the left-arm pacer signed for 4.2 crores, featured in just 3 games for the Delhi-based franchise and admits being low on confidence after being repeatedly ignored. Sakariya got three wickets in as many matches, at an economy rate of 7.64.

"When Delhi Capitals bought me, I did think that I would get to play all the games. I wasn't demotivated when I didn't play, but my confidence level dropped a bit and there was self-doubt. But there was a change in my mental toughness. I went into a shell in the initial 10-12 days of the IPL," he told SportsKeeda.

The 24-year-old was eventually encouraged to put those feelings behind him by coaches Ricky Ponting and Shane Watson's remarks.

"Ricky sir also knew this thing (about him feeling low). He always used to come and talk and used to tell that there needs to be frustration, only then you are a true player. This is what motivates you to do better when an opportunity comes,"  he said further.

"Shane Watson Sir realized that I was feeling low and although I was focusing on practice, something was off. So, sir called me in his room and spoke at length about many things. That made me feel a lot better."

(SPORTSKEEDA INPUTS)