Delhi Capitals have got all their bases covered against RCB: Wasim Jaffer

The Delhi Capitals (DC) have two wins in four league matches of IPL 2022 and are positioned eighth in the points table. They secured a victory by 44 runs in their last fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and got back to winning ways. Currently, they are featuring in their fifth match of the season against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer discussed the opening partnership of DC and Kuldeep Yadav’s performance in the tournament.

Jaffer pressed on the importance of a stable opening partnership for each team to secure a place in the playoffs. Adding on to the opening combination, he hailed the duo of Prithvi Shaw and David Warner, who stitched a partnership of 93 runs in the last game against KKR and helped the team to post a total of 215. He mentioned that Shaw has been terrific to outperform Warner in the powerplay overs with his consistent boundaries, and termed it as a good sign for the Capitals for the remainder of the tournament.

“I feel if any team has to go to the eliminator, their opening partnership has to lay a strong foundation. Since Warner has come into the team, they have got a strong start with Shaw in terrific form and Warner complementing him well in the last match as well. Not many times you see someone outscoring David Warner, and Prithvi Shaw is doing that by hitting boundaries in powerplay overs, which is a good sign for Delhi,” said Jaffer on Sky247.net presents ‘Not Just Cricket Show’ on CricTracker.

Jaffer was surprised by the exclusion of Sarfaraz Khan to include Mitchell Marsh in the game against RCB, as he has contributed 36 runs in a single inning. But, he finds the inclusion of Marsh in the Playing XI has covered the base for the team, with him being at the top-order, and Caribbean batter Rovman Powell having the responsibility to finish well in the final overs.

“I think it’s a bit surprising they have dropped Sarfaraz as he not done anything wrong, but someone has to way make for an experienced international cricketer. I thought Powell would replace him as he hasn’t done much. But, with this inclusion, they have their bases covered with Marsh at the top-order, and Powell might bat at no 6 to provide a late flourish,” Wasim added.

Delhi Capitals have shown confidence in Kuldeep Yadav: Wasim Jaffer

Jaffer reckoned that DC team management has shown faith in spinner Kuldeep Yadav‘s abilities and he has given it back by taking 11 wickets in five matches. He claimed that it is quite commendable the way Rishabh Pant and Ricky Ponting have supported him in the IPL 2022 season.

“In the last two years, KKR didn’t support him, but DC has shown confidence in his abilities, and has been a premier bowler for the team. He is relishing the opportunity, and the way Pant and Ponting are handling him is commendable. He has grabbed the opportunity and will again be on the radar of selectors,” Jaffer added.

Meanwhile, Kuldeep was hit for 23 runs off one over by Glenn Maxwell. But, he returned in a fine fashion to take his wicket and finished with 46 runs off four overs.