Delhi Capitals (DC) suffered a heavy 50-run defeat in their IPL 2023 opener against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1.
Invited to bat first, LSG rode on opener Kyle Mayers’ whirlwind 73 off 38 balls to pile up 193/6 on the board.
In reply, the Capitals managed only 143/9 in their stipulated 20 overs. It was a listless batting performance as no DC batter returned with a decent knock. Although skipper Warner slammed a half-century (56 off 48 balls), his innings lacked intent while no other managed to cross the 30-run mark.
Ahead of DC’s second IPL game against Gujarat Titans on Tuesday (April 4), team Director Sourav Ganguly revealed that all-rounder Akshar Patel's promotion in the batting order is being contemplated by the management.
Ganguly, however, expects the DC vice-captain to bowl a better line after being belted around the park by Mayers and Nicholas Pooran in the opening fixture.
"Yeah that's (batting) been discussed and he will bat up the order as his batting has improved. He has batted exceptionally well on difficult tracks against Australia and hopefully he can score runs for us," Ganguly told reporters.
"It's not easy when West Indian boys keep hitting you through the middle. And they hit a long way. Mayers, Pooran, Russell and Powell hit miles in T20 cricket.
"Yes, he has to get lines right and most of the time T20 is about clever bowling and being aware of situations because you play on flat tracks and the ball is almost new," Ganguly reasoned.
"So it's not easy unless it grips and turns which doesn't happen most of the time. Hopefully, with all his experience and ability and what he has done for India, he will come back," he added.
Prithvi Shaw didn’t look comfortable while facing England speedster Mark Wood in the opening game but Ganguly didn't want to be harsh on the basis of one game.
"See everyone has to learn to play fast bowling. It's just that they got out. Prithvi has scored runs against fast bowling. It's just one ball that went through. Even Mitch Marsh who played fast bowling all his life got out early. Happens in sport," he said in Shaw's defence.
"Credit to Mark Wood the way he bowled. These boys go and score runs in Australia and other places. One of those days."
Sarfaraz Khan also came under the scanner for his struggles with the bat in DC’s first match. After performing the keeping duties for 20 overs, he scored 4 off 9 balls before being dismissed by Mark Wood.
When asked if Sarfaraz can last the whole season, Ganguly replied: "It's a good question you have asked and you will see tomorrow."
"Game has changed as the majority of teams look for keepers who can bat. Because that becomes an all rounder position. Sarfaraz has kept in Hazare Trophy.
"Poor guy has just kept for 20 overs and we can't pass a judgement on him so quickly and basic thought is as we don't have Rishabh (Pant) who is a batter and a keeper," Ganguly said.
He also cited the examples of KL Rahul and Nicholas Pooran.
"You have KL (Rahul) and Pooran keeping for LSG, Dhoni for CSK, RCB and all other teams have keepers who contribute with the bat. You try options and because of that you got KL Rahul, you tried with Pooran. I did with (Rahul) Dravid when I was skipper and that trend keeps continuing and I hope that you get that extra batting option."
While Ganguly admitted that injured Rishabh Pant’s absence has left a massive hole in the Capitals line-up, he also said it is a chance for other batters to step up.
"We will miss him (Rishabh) for the season as players like (Jasprit) Bumrah, Rishabh and Shreyas are not replaceable in franchise tournaments and best are distributed to all teams.
"....and I see this as an opportunity for someone to become better because Rishabh became better since MS Dhoni stopped playing. That's the way players are produced," he said.
"You see Gill getting better, Rutu playing well, so it's an opportunity. Rishabh will be missed but most important is his recovery."
(With PTI Inputs)
