The Delhi Daredevils coach is confident about his team challenging for this years IPL title
Delhi Daredevils coach Gary Kirsten
New Delhi : The Delhi Daredevils endured a nightmarish IPL campaign last year when they finished at the bottom of the table. But coach Gary Kirsten is confident that his wards will be able to shake off those memories and emerge as title contenders during the 2014 edition.“They had a poor 2011 season and then did well to reach the play offs in 2012. We have a good squad this year and aim to do as well as we can. Obviously every team plays to win and we will do the same,” Kirsten said after a Daredevils’ practice session here on Wednesday.
Kirsten, who has replaced Eric Simmons, has been handed a new look squad after the team management decided go for a massive overhaul following the poor results of last year when the Daredevils won just three of their 16 matches. There have been concerns over the team’s lack of options as far as spin bowling is concerned with Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Sharma as the only frontline bowlers. But Kirsten dismissed such fears asserting that he was happy with the balance in the squad.
“We have two specialist spinners in the team. I think that is enough. We also have J.P. Duminy who is a frontline spinner these days. That’s plenty of options,” he said. “We have got a good balance in our squad. That is what we aimed for. We options in all areas.”
Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen will lead Team Delhi this season. The right-hander, who was axed from the England squad following the 0-5 Ashes whitewash last year, has been something of a controversial figure. There were questions over his lack of discipline along with with allegations of a rift with skipper Alastair Cook. But Kirsten decided to back his captain, stating that Pietersen would have a positive impact on the Delhi team.
“The feedback that I have received is that he had an outstanding contribution both as a player and as a role model for some of the younger players in the squad. He is a valuable player and there is no reason he should not be a part of the team,” Kirsten said
( Source : dc correspondent )
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