Pietersen's absence a huge loss for Delhi - Morgan
A round-up of IPL news on May 1
ESPNcricinfo staff
01-May-2013
Eoin Morgan said Kolkata Knight Riders were still upbeat about their chances in the IPL • BCCI
Kolkata Knight Riders' batsman Eoin Morgan said it was unfortunate for Delhi Daredevils to be missing the services of England batsman Kevin Pietersen. Pietersen was ruled out of the IPL following a knee injury he suffered on England's tour to New Zealand earlier this year.
"When Kevin's not playing - and I know it because I've played with him a lot [ for England] and also without him when he's had the odd injury - he's a big loss," Morgan told Mail Today. "He's your world-class guy who can take the game away from you regardless of who you're playing against, be it against Australia on numerous occasions, or in the Mumbai Test against India last year. It's a huge loss for Delhi."
While admitting that the team's results this season - three wins in nine games - have been disappointing, Morgan said that the team morale was still good.
"It's nice to have contributed, but we haven't got over the line enough times to be satisfied with," he said. "In the last few games, we have played good cricket, and things have started to look a bit brighter. We're looking more of a unit, and that's really positive."
Irfan ready to open the batting
Delhi Daredevils allrounder Irfan Pathan has said he is ready to open the batting for his team if required. Pathan, who has opened for India in the past in Tests and ODIs, has been batting in the middle and lower order during the IPL. "I have the confidence to bat at any position up or down the order," Irfan told the Times of India. "But I have always kept the team before myself and if the team management or coach feels they would like me to open the innings I am ready for it." Irfan, who has bowled three maidens in this edition, is pleased with his bowling. "The way I bowled in the last game against Pune, I think I am getting back into my rhythm," he said. "The knee injury during the Ranji Trophy did take away three to four months of my comeback time but I am bowling perfectly fine now. My pace is increasing and the three maidens that I have bowled in this event only shows that I need to improve on my wicket tally."
Delhi Daredevils allrounder Irfan Pathan has said he is ready to open the batting for his team if required. Pathan, who has opened for India in the past in Tests and ODIs, has been batting in the middle and lower order during the IPL. "I have the confidence to bat at any position up or down the order," Irfan told the Times of India. "But I have always kept the team before myself and if the team management or coach feels they would like me to open the innings I am ready for it." Irfan, who has bowled three maidens in this edition, is pleased with his bowling. "The way I bowled in the last game against Pune, I think I am getting back into my rhythm," he said. "The knee injury during the Ranji Trophy did take away three to four months of my comeback time but I am bowling perfectly fine now. My pace is increasing and the three maidens that I have bowled in this event only shows that I need to improve on my wicket tally."