Delhi rely on batting to extend U-22 run

Coach Amit Bhandari is not too fazed by the challenge. “We are informed that the wicket most probably will be the one on which the last ODI between India and West Indies was played. We are sorted with whatever the pitch is as we have a combination of two left arm spinners in Manan Sharma and Varun Sood and as many fast bowlers. In anycase we will be playing with at least four bowlers,” Bhandari said while speaking to Sportline from Chennai.

So far,Delhi has had a bit of a dream run,getting past teams like UP,Saurashtra,Gujarat and Mumbai with relative ease. One of the main features of its run has been that it is not just one department that has been coming good,with the entire bunch of eleven men delivering consistently. Skipper Milind Kumar with a century and a half century in the Ranji Trophy this season,seems to be in good nick and will hope to establish himself further with his U-22 exploits. Delhi’s fast bowling duo of Saini and Sehrawat would add experience to an otherwise young and untested bench. Despite the positives,Bhandari said they would not underestimate the opponents,especially when playing in their backyard.

“Tamil Nadu is a very good team and I am hoping for a tough contest. They have also made it to the quarters and hence can’t be taken casually. I am happy that our best side is available for the knock outs and I am confident that the team will show character,” added Bhandari.

Although Delhi hasn’t had any problems chasing big totals,the nature of the Chepauk track might pose problems as the match progresses. Bhandari,though,says he backs his batsmen to put up a big score batting first. “Its not that we can’t chase but generally batting first is a wise decision when in Chennai. And if our six main batsmen put us through,I can bank upon Manan,Varun,Rishit and Sunny to wrap up the Tamil Nadu innings,” he said.