New Delhi: For years, Delhi Daredevils bore the stamp of under-achievers. Big names did not translate into big performances, and barring two semi-final appearances in eight editions of the Indian Premier League, the Devils had little to show for their big bang bucks.
For years, also, they did not have a Rahul Dravid in the tanks. Season Nine has witnessed a turnaround in fortunes, and young batsman Sanju Samson credits Dravid for the change. The Daredevils have been on a good run with three wins in a row, two at home after the opening loss to Kolkata Knight Riders by nine wickets.
Said Samson, man of the match in the game against Mumbai Indians where the Devils grounded Rohit Sharma and Co., “It’s a very young and fresh team. We have lots of youngsters in the team so a mentor like Rahul sir motivates us to perform. It’s good to see that we all are doing well under him.
“I have been playing IPL for the last three years and I think I am getting better as a cricketer every year. Mostly I take my learning and experience from Rahul sir. It’s all about learning. It’s all about what your team needs from you.
“If they send me down the order I have to finish the games and if they send me up the order I will have to build the innings and set stage for my team.”
On the Lions, who have turned in strong displays in their debut season, and Wednesday’s match, Samson said, “Every team is tough to play in this tournament. Gujarat has been doing well and we will have to respect them. But nothing changes in the preparation. Planning wise we do talk about our opponents and set clear plans.
“They are doing well but we can’t judge who is going to do well the next day. So we will have to respect everyone who is coming to bat. We have plans for everyone and I hope it goes well on Wednesday,” Samson said.
