The Champions Trophy in South Africa seems to have caused havoc in the Delhi Daredevils camp,upsetting their preparations for the Champions League,which kicks-off on Thursday. Minutes before the final between New Zealand and Australia commenced in Centurion on Monday,Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori pulled a hamstring,joining AB de Villiers (back injury) and Paul Collingwood (buttock strain) in the growing Daredevilss casualty list. David Sacker,the Daredevils coach in the absence of Greg Shipperd,has said its time for the local players in the side such as Mithun Manhas and Rajat Bhatia to step up and fill the void left behind by the injured foreign recruits. Right-hand batsman Manhas agrees and feels that he is ready to fill the large shoes of the missing players. With AB and Paul unable to play,it is a big loss for us,but at the same time it is an opportunity for players like me to shine on the big stage, says the 29-year-old. It should be seen as an opportunity for the local players in this team to cement their places in the side. With added responsibility,Manhas believes that playing at the Ferozeshah Kotla stadium will also work as a motivating factor. Having the matches in Delhi helps as it is our home ground,the crowd support will definitely egg us on to do better. Bhatia,also an all-rounder in the Daredevils line-up,is keen not to let his coach down. Well,it is definitely the opportunity Ive been waiting for. I am keen to step up my game in all departments. David has put his trust in local players to fill the gap and I do hope that we manage to do well for ourselves and the team, he says. Left-arm seamer Pradeep Sangwan a regular in the Daredevils side during both editions of the IPL ¿ believes that his team has enough in-form players to negate the injury woes. I do not think we are in any trouble. Owais Shah and Tillakaratne Dilshan are in prime form, he says,adding,I am willing to play the role the team wants me to. But I do not think we have any problem as such. Im coming off some good form and will continue to focus on my bowling, the 19-year old says. Although Sangwan believes that there is enough depth in their team to compensate for the injured,he said that the Champions Leagues main difference from the IPL would be the relatively lesser known clubs. We have played against most players from other big clubs in the the previous editions of the IPL. But,some of the smaller clubs will pose a threat and we should watch out for upsets, he says There are a few teams and players we havent played against. They are all winners and hence get to play in this tournament,which is of the highest international calibre. We should not take anything for granted. I am up for the challenge, Manhas adds. Bhatia claims that the lack of information could also work in their favour. In the IPL,it is more localised,so one has more information about the opponents. When I run up to bowl,I know what a Yusuf Pathan is capable of. Here,there are many players I havent heard of before and dealing with it will be a big challenge. But not knowing is a good thing too as it prevents the over-analysing and helps us concentrate only on the cricket.
