Delhi's resurgence and a maiden hole in one

It’s been a week since we last spoke and how the wheel has turned since then. Last Tuesday, we went down to the Deccan Chargers at home. The guys took the loss to heart and it really hurt us. We were all so eager and determined to win and have things go our way.

And then on Saturday it happened. What a fantastic game of cricket we played against the Kings XI Punjab. It was awesome to be a part of and I think it’s the start of the Daredevils climb up the points ladder. The crowd was so involved and the atmosphere was electric at the Kotla. It was what the team really needed. It restored a lot of faith in the boys and got our campaign back on track.

Personally, I am yet to get a game but that doesn’t mean I don’t share in everyone’s success. It is a very difficult concept to deal with not being picked to play but you can’t let it get you down. We all know that only four internationals can play and we accept that. There’s no need for sympathy.

What it really does for me is make me work harder and harder to be ready for my chance. My time will come and just being here is an amazing experience, and you never stop learning. Being with world-class players is beneficial. So far, the stand-out thing for me has been to see how you are never out of the game or the tournament and that the strength of the team is not only from the 11 on the field but from the entire squad. I am right behind the team and will be helping in our surge upwards.

Even though I’m not playing cricket, I have been playing golf and have a good story to tell you on that front. Last Wednesday, we decided to take our minds off cricket and indulge in a round of golf at the DLF golf club. Seven guys ended up playing – David Warner, Aaron Finch, Colin Ingram, Rob Walter, myself and two guys from the American embassy.

It started off as quietly as it could with Warner in your four ball. He and I were making light work of the Americans and as we were approaching the 9th tee we heard a massive roar. It was Walter, South Africa’s fitness trainer, who got his first-ever hole-in-one. It was awesome to witness and he was quite chuffed.

Part of his celebration was held that evening where we had a meet and greet function with one of our sponsors, Westin. We headed out to one of their big hotels and met a few of the corporates. We also found our own little place to party – the Underdog Sports Café in the Ambience Mall. We’ve made friends with the owner and we go there to play pool, darts, watch the big screen and just relax, which is much needed after all the practicing in 40 degrees heat.

Tonight is very important for us, we play Bangalore, who are a very strong side. Hope I have good stories to share from the match.