Sehwag, Gambhir geared up for Kings XI challenge in opening clash

CAPE TOWN: Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir’s arrival on Friday galvanized the confident Delhi Daredevils as they got ready for their opening match of the IPL-2 at Newlands in Cape Town.

Widely considered the world’s best opening pair right now, Sehwag and Gambhir took a few days off to be with their family in India. They came back from New Zealand, where Gambhir was adjudged Man of the Series in Tests, and after a few day’s break they are back in action for IPL-2.

“A small break like this rejuvenates the body and the mind,” said Sehwag, who also took part in an optional practice session in the morning on Saturday. After arriving on Friday evening, Sehwag chose to skip the Gala Party to catch up on sleep.

Gambhir, much sought after his phenomenal success over the past year and in particular in New Zealand, also looked refreshed after a short break. “I am looking forward to the IPL in South Africa. It would have been nice to have it in India, but as the situation stands we are in South Africa. Last year the IPL provided me a great platform and I would like to ensure the team does even better this time.”

Also arriving with Sehwag and Gambhir was Amit Mishra, while DInesh Karthik arrived a day earlier. All four were part of the Indian team in New Zealand.

The Daredevils is being seen as one of the most balanced sides in the tournament and Manager T A Sekar said as much. “We have a very balanced side and we are good in all departments and our key players are all in good form. So, we naturally expect to do well.”

One of the big problems for the management will be to pick the final playing XI. “We have a tough choice, but it is better to be in that position of having a lot of talent and choices than having too few of them,” said Sekar.

With only four foreign players allowed in the 11, there are quite a few up for selection. South Africa’s AB De Villiers, Daniel Vettori, Glenn McGrath, Paul Collingwood, Dilshan Tillakaratne and David Warner will be among those considered prominently. Twenty20 specialist Dirk Nannes, could also be in the running.

Amongst the Indians, Sehwag and Gambhir apart, there is Dinesh Karthik and either Rajat Bhatia or Mithun Manhas. The bowlers could be a choice between Aashish Nehra, Amit Mishra, Pradeep Sangwan, Aavishkar Salvi and Umesh Yadav.

Kings XI will be led by Yuvraj Singh and their leading lights will be Lankans Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena, Australian Shaun Marsh and Ravi Bopara from England. Irfan Pathan and Piyush Chawla are among the bowling options.