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Delhi Capitals (DC) bowling coach Munaf Patel has all but confirmed that their South African finisher David Miller will be on the bench for the home clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 5. India’s ODI World Cup 2011-winning member pointed out DC’s need to win all matches to qualify for the playoffs. He revealed that only youngster Sahil Parakh is injured whereas all bowlers are fit and ready to go. Miller will not be a part of the playing eleven as Pathum Nissanka made the opportunity count in the previous game his maiden half-century and they want to use two overseas spots for fast bowlers.
"Obviously, we play every match to win, but now the relaxed mode is over. If you want to qualify, you have to win all the matches," Munaf said in the press conference on the eve of the game.
"It is always difficult to fit the best combination into the XI because there are only four overseas slots. Sahil was injured, so we wanted to give Pathum [Nissanka, in the previous match] an opportunity and also have an additional bowling option. That is why we went with that combination.
"At that time, Lungi was not available, so the plan was to go with either Pathum or [David] Miller depending on the balance we needed. Pathum came in as a replacement, and we will continue with that approach because he performed well. I don't think there is a need for further changes."
Ngidi for Jamieson?
Munaf confirmed that South Africa pacer Lungi Ngidi is 100 per cent fit after resting for the cooling period as per concussion protocol. He is likely to play in place of Kyle Jamieson who dismissed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the previous game. The 42-year-old said that the initial plan was to back Auqib Nabi and Mukesh Kumar but it hasn’t worked in their favour and they’ve moved on to plan B.
"Lungi and all bowlers are 100% fit. He did not play the last two games because of the six-day protocol [for head injuries], but he is fully fit now. A wicket in the first six overs makes a big difference. That is why bowling in partnerships becomes very important," Munaf said.
"Our initial plan was to use Indian bowlers like Auqib [Nabi] and Mukesh [Kumar]. That allowed us to strengthen the batting with overseas players. But when a plan does not work, you have to move to plan B."
Starc boost for DC vs CSK rematch
Mitchell Starc’s return has boosted DC who won against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the previous game. Munaf called Starc the captain of the bowling attack going into the CSK fixture.
The last time DC played CSK, Sanju Samson scored an unbeaten 115. Chasing a target of 213, DC were bowled out for 189. Tristan Stubbs scored a 38-ball 60 but it wasn't enough. Also, the umpires’ refusal to not allow Stubbs a change of gloves in the penultimate over despite hot and humid conditions baffled many.
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