Daredevils and KXIP seek redemption

Two under-achievers of the Indian Premier League (IPL) look to redeem their reputation on a turf that promises to test their resilience and ability to innovate at the PCA Stadium here on Sunday.

Delhi Daredevils and Kings XI Punjab have a lot to prove in a format that demands exacting consistency and tactical acumen.

Two semifinal slots is what Daredevils can boast of in the first 10 years of the tournament. Kings XI finished runner-up in 2014. Over the years, both teams have begun on a rousing note with tall claims only to whither away as the tournament progressed.

Change of guard

It needs to be seen whether the change of guard — Gautam Gambhir returning to lead Daredevils and R. Ashwn in his debut role as captain — provide the desired result for the franchises.

Daredevils has a team devoid of glamour. “We have invested in youth,” said assistant coach Pravin Amre. Kings XI coach Brad Hodge termed his team a “dangerous” proposition and promised “high standard” cricket from the combination which has some trusted performers — Yuvraj Singh and Chris Gayle — who need to shed the rust that has crept into their batting of late.

The tournament has evolved and Hodge acknowledged the pressure to plan new tactics. “A score of 250 could become regular (in T20). Batsmen take their chances but then bowlers can also work on their craft. I must say the levels of batting have become very high,” said Hodge.

For Daredevils, the loss of Kagiso Rabada impacts the bowling, even though the team can expect his replacement Liam Plunkett’s experience to help the young bowlers.

“We have some new strategies in mind and some fine performers, but essentially we are a fearless unit,” asserted Amre.

Veteran entertainer Gayle, who holds the record for the fastest century in T20 cricket, holds the key for Kings XI’s batting fortunes. Similarly, young Rishabh Pant, who is tipped to scorch the cricket fields in times to come, is the brand ambassador of Daredevils’ dash. Explosive knocks from either, or both, can light up the contest.

Daredevils believes in building the momentum through the ranks, while the Kings XI philosophy is marked by mentor Virender Sehwag’s thinking. “We have players who hit fours and sixes and don’t believe in singles,” said Sehwag.

Aaron Finch (KXIP) and Glenn Maxwell (Daredevils) will miss this match. Maxwell is the Master of Ceremony at Finch’s wedding.

A combination of entertainment and competition beckons the spectators of this game which starts at 4 p.m.