On Friday as the result of the competitiveness, there is a fascinating battle at the Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi where the Delhi Daredevils (DD) take on the reigning Champions the Mumbai Indians. Both sides having managed to record two wins during the current campaign. Delhi having lost one match, while the Indians have been beaten on three occasions.
Those extra losses on the Indians’ record probably mean that victory is more important, if not vital at this stage to the Champions.
Delhi were annihilated in their opening game against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), when they were couldn’t even muster 100 between them, But they have come back strongly in their subsequent fixtures, although they must avoid the danger of becoming overly dependant on the swash buckling bat of Quinton de Kock, if they are to sustain a serious challenge for honours.
Amit Mishra took 4-11 against the Kings XI to help set up an 8-wicket win, with de Kock blasting 59 not out from 42 balls. They followed up with an even more impressive display against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). After RCB posted an imposing 191-5, Delhi chased the target down with five balls remaining, with de Kock once more leading the way with a magnificent century, ending with 108 fro a mere 51 deliveries.
Mumbai may just have found the winning formula once more, with the promotion of Rohit Sharma back to the top of the order against RCB. Admittedly it was on a flat surface at the Wankhede, but his 62 from 44 balls gave them a momentum that they have been lacking in the early stages of an innings this season.
With hitters like Jos Buttler, Kieron Pollard and Martin Guptill down the order, if the Indians can get a start, then they have the firepower to mount a serious defence of their title, despite their indifferent start to the campaign.