Struggling Delhi look for change of luck

Match facts

March 21, 2010
Start time 1600 (1030 GMT)

Big picture

Things aren't so rosy for the Delhi Daredevils, who've slipped from top of the table after two games to No.6. Gautam Gambhir's absence has had a bigger impact than they could have imagined, and a date hasn't yet been set for his return. Their biggest worry, though, is their bowling, which has failed to defend totals of 218 and 185. And even those high scores belie a shaky batting line-up, with AB de Villiers out of form and Tillakaratne Dilshan yet to play a special innings. A strong middle-order performance will play a big part in getting Delhi back on track. Their seamers, especially Dirk Nannes, can be very potent on pitches that offer seam movement and pace. In Ashish Nehra's absence, the responsibility on Nannes has only increased. After two forgettable showings at home, they'll hope for better luck at a new venue.

Deccan have rebounded well after losing their opening game, recording back-to-back wins against Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab. Adam Gilchrist retained the winning line-up against Punjab and the team looked in control of the game for most of the game. Their overseas players, including Andrew Symonds and Chaminda Vaas, have performed consistently and they are one of the form teams in this tournament. If Deccan win, it will be their first against Delhi in the league stages of the IPL.

Team talk

Gambhir's return is still uncertain and assistant coach Eric Simons hinted that he could miss the next couple of games. Dinesh Karthik will continue to lead the team in his place. Wayne Parnell hasn't got a game, neither has Moises Henriques, though it won't be a bad idea to bring in the allrounder Henriques in place of the under-pressure de Villiers. Sarabjit Ladda has been expensive, so they can consider replacing him with Sarandeep Singh.

Deccan's VVS Laxman suffered an unfortunate injury to the arm while batting against Punjab. The fact that he retired hurt suggested that the injury could be serious. His absence could give Venugopal Rao an opportunity.

Previously…

Delhi 4 Deccan 1
Delhi won both their matches against Deccan 2008. They won their home game by 12 runs and the away game by a nine-wicket margin.

Delhi won the first match against Deccan in 2009 by six wickets, thanks to Nannes' opening spell. Deccan ought to have won the return match, needing 25 in three overs, with six wickets in hand but choked, losing by 12 runs. Rajat Bhatia was the hero on that occasion. But Deccan had their revenge in the more important clash - the semi-final.

In the spotlight

AB de Villiers: Thirty-five runs in four games at 8.75. Not numbers you will associate with the South African batsman, but a big score is due. Fortunately, his poor batting form hasn't rubbed off on his fielding, which is as sharp as ever. But you have to admit that he's one failure away from being dropped.

RP Singh: The left-armer has struggled in Indian conditions and he's yet to recreate his form from last year, where the swing and seam in South Africa made him feel at home. Three wickets at 36 and an expensive economy rate of 9.81 aren't figures you'd expect from the team's strike bowler.

Chaminda Vaas v Delhi top-order: He did it to Kolkata, Chennai and Punjab. A fascinating duel with Sehwag beckons.

Prime numbers

• Chaminda Vaas remains the Purple Cap holder with seven wickets, followed closely by hat-trick man Praveen Kumar at six.

"We know what Gilchrist did to us in the semifinal last year. We know what kind of a player he is and what is the kind of player Gibbs is."
Delhi opener David Warner is concerned about a few matchwinners in the opposition

"We can't take anyone lightly and Delhi are a quality side, they showed it in IPL 2. But, we must do our things well and not worry too much about the opposition."
Deccan coach Darren Lehmann exercises caution as well