New Delhi,sept 9
Delhi Capitals’ pacer Kagiso Ranada feels that the team has the wherewithal to challenge all comers for the Indian Premier League title this season.Always seen as an under-performing side for much of their 12-year history, Delhi entered the playoffs last year for the first time in seven years and beat SunRisers Hyderabad before losing to Chennai Super Kings.“We had a really good season, so I know that we can challenge and win this competition because we came really close last season. So, mentally I guess that helps,” Rabada said. “But, also, it is a new tournament so we have to start again and we’ve got a nice group put together, nice team.”A good start as usual will be key, the bowler reckoned.“We have to start again and start the whole process, so hopefully we can get off to a good start but win at the end of the season – we want to be the most consistent team and win at times when we really, really need to win,” he added.
Rabada, who has 31 wickets in his IPL career, trained for the first time with the rest of the team on Monday after completing his quarantine.“It feels good to be running in, and to be with some teammates as well,” he said. “This (situation) is quite unique, not a lot of people get to do this. We’re in the middle of a desert, playing cricket — it’s something that I didn’t think I would ever be able to do. So it’s a lot of fun also.”
Rabada said that the break he has got due to the Covid-enforced freeze on the cricket calendar has helped him recharge his batteries.“It’s been a high volume of cricket in the past five years for me, but I really enjoyed the break at home,” he said. “I feel quite strong. I think I just need to bowl more, and make sure I haven’t forgotten how to bowl. I need to keep up with the bowling practice, but otherwise I feel healthy.”
