Simmons optimistic of Daredevils chances at IPL-3

New Delhi, March 10: Eric Simmons, the Indian bowling coach, who has just joined the Delhi Daredevils is very optimistic of his teams chances at the IPL-3. Quite confident that his team can go better than two successive semi-finals in 2008 and 2009, Simmons is ready to take on the challenge of this shortest version of the game.
“I have just arrived here and headed straight into a practice game but what I have in front of me is a talented bunch of players. The basic idea for an IPL team is to bring boys together from various sides and gel into a team, keep them happy and forge a strong bond. My first job is to keep the boys occupied till Greg (Shipperd) comes in,” says Simmons.
“Players like Sehwag, Dilshan and Warner can change the game in a matter of few overs and players like Gautam (Gambhir) are solid, both in terms of defense and offense.”
On how the bowlers should approach the format, Simmons adds, “Bowling in Twenty20 is hard work, and you need to be a brave man. Bowlers often come across tough situations, and it’s important to have a game plan, and keep judging if the process towards that is right. For example, if your game plan is to hit top of stump or say fire in five yorkers but the batsman still manages to whack you out for boundaries, you can’t do much about it. As long as you stick to your gameplan as a bowler, you have done your job. That’s what I say, in Twenty20 it’s important to check if the bowler is following the process, and not read too much into the result.”
On how to tackle batsmen like Sehwag and Dilshan or a Warner on a rampage, he says, “As a bowler you study what their strengths are; one principle is to block off their big shots, frustrate them to reduce their efficiency. But like I said, it’s important to stick to the process and try and bowl in the right areas designated for that batsman. As a coach what you have to tell the bowlers is to view the match as an opportunity to get wickets, weave your game plans and instill in them a strong mindset to withstand everything.”
In terms of what the strategy he adds, “The batsman have become innovative, the bowlers must also become innovative. He needs to have 5-6 different types of deliveries in his kitty. Keep the bouncer, the yorker, 2-3 varieties of slower ones. You need to pick the deliveries that come naturally to you and really master them with great discipline at the practice sessions. If you are able to get them right, you straightaway bring the score down.  It is increasingly becoming difficult for bowlers, especially with the late powerplay being taken in the 50 over format. I think the ICC can also become a bit more innovative in their rules, say the wide down the leg-side, I think it’s really harsh on the bowlers.”
But the bowling coach still reckons, “I think if the wicket has some bit of pace, then it’s important to bowl quick. You can see Dirk Nannes, that guy has upset a lot of batsmen with his pace in international cricket. Pace is still a big weapon but it needs to be real pace. You can’t be bowling around 130kmph and still think about getting away.”