Daredevils must put up an improved show in the latter half of the tourney, says all-rounder Duminy as they take on table-toppers Sunrisers H’bad today
Delhi Daredevils' JP Duminy during his 48 against Gujarat Lions at the Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi last month
Hyderabad: Acknowledging that today’s Indian Premier League match against table toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad is going to be tough, Delhi Daredevils’ JP Duminy said they have the strength to take on the hosts.
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Delhi Daredevils' JP Duminy during his 48 against Gujarat Lions at the Feroz Shah Kotla in New Delhi last month. PIC/PTI
“We have had a few days off. We know that Hyderabad have been playing some really good cricket and sit at the top of the table. It’s going to be a tough game for us. We know that the last part of the games are going to be tough games. Coming into the business end of the tournament, everybody is going to put their best foot forward. Especially us, we have been playing some good cricket. But we know that we have to improve in the next five games,” he said at the pre-match press conference here.
Back after the break
The few days’ break has helped Daredevils players to recharge and come back stronger, he said. “I think it was much needed for us, to be honest. We, probably, passed the half way mark and (it’s) nice to get a small getaway, refresh and come back stronger. I think this was really a good break for us. We played nine games and had a few days off to refresh, we have to just recharge batteries and come out stronger tomorrow,” he said.
Asked if Delhi have any special plans in dealing with Sunrisers Hyderabad, he said they possessed a line-up that can compete.
“I am sure the guys would have thought about it. We had a bit of a planning session today. We know that they have their strengths and weaknesses as any team does. Their strength lies in their pace attack. We have to plan accordingly, and we definitely have the line-up to do that.
It is just about putting up good performance on the day,” he said.
Noting that the team, presently placed fourth, has had a few “bumps” along the way, he added it is the same with all others as well.
Replying to a query, he said the playing XI is decided as per the opposition and the conditions. “We know that we need to improve in certain areas and there is no better time than tomorrow to start that,” he said.
Duminy said there were no injury concerns. “Not that I am aware of. Selection will be based on what the best XI is for the conditions and the opposition. I am sure that’s what you see,” he said.