Daredevils may miss Sehwag in IPL opener

Kolkata  :  Having already lost star batsmen Kevin Pietersen and Jesse Ryder to injuries, the Delhi Daredevils (DD) may now miss dashing opener Virender Sehwag, down with a back problem, too in the Indian Premier League (IPL) opener against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) here Wednesday.

“Sehwag is down with back spasm and is yet to arrive in the city. He is likely to come today and if and when he comes, we will take a call on playing him for Wednesday’s game,” coach Eric Simons told the media after a practice session at the Eden Gardens here Tuesday.

The Delhi side will also have to do without the services of South African pacer Morne Morkel, who is busy playing domestic cricket back home. Despite the loss of some key players, the Mahela Jayawardene-led side remain unfazed and are banking on youngsters and the domestic players to come good.

“Of course, the unavailability of our key players is a big loss but IPL is all about crisis management. The loss of players has provided a massive opportunity to the youngsters and domestic players and we have an exciting bunch of them,” said Simons.

Delhi team management was also pinning hopes on pacer Umesh Yadav and seasoned performer Irfan Pathan, both of whom are in “great form”.

“KKR are a good side and being the defending champions they are confident. But then this is a new season and our players have looked very good at the nets and we are looking forward to transform that on to the field,” added Simons.

File Photo  : AFP