Delhi Daredevils started with a bang, outclassing Team Jaipur by 9 wickets in their opening match at home - the new-look Kotla. Jaipur batsmen struggled to get going and their skipper Shane Warne tried to lend some late urgency but the cause had been lost long back. By the 11th over, Team Jaipur were 57/5, with Yusuf Pathan and Shane Watson, Jaipur’s two potential big-hitters, needlessly run out. Mohd Kaif was a disappointment. Maharoof, Rajat Bhatia and the back-from-the-cold McGrath - who produced a stunning wicket maiden in just his second over - were backed by some quality ground fielding as the Daredevils sought to justify skipper Virender Sehwag’s assertion that they could give the best a run for their millions.
But while they can take pride in their team’s bowling performance, Delhi’s cricket lovers proved yet again that they weren’t ready to pay up to watch, IPL or otherwise: more than 20,000 fans feasted on complimentary passes.
“It was a good batting track but they got out,’’ was all Sehwag said. He had the luxury of four overseas seamers, and Jaipur’s batsmen seemed all too willing to self-destruct. With Gautam Gambhir and Sehwag himself slated to open, Jaipur’s chances appeared bleak.
The crowds had poured in for the Bangalore spread but in many ways, IPL’s real test is only just beginning. As for Delhi Daredevils, after being forced to bowl first, they cruised while batting. And the fans? They’ll be expecting a more electric entertainment package next time.
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