‘Our tournament really begins now’

For Delhi Capitals, there could well be a feeling of déjà vu as they brace up for the first qualifier against Chennai Super Kings for a shot at a final berth of IPL.

It’s almost an almost identical scenario like the 2020 edition in the UAE where Delhi Capitals finished in the top two, then got walloped by an in-form Mumbai Indians in the qualifier but then again earned a final against the same opponents after prevailing in the second qualifier. Capitals floundered in the final again — but this time, they want to go the distance.

However, with Rohit Sharma’s men out of the tournament, Rishabh Pant’s team has a decent chance of capping their consistent efforts over the last three seasons into a title this year.

The Delhi camp is buoyed by the news that

Marcus Stoinis, their Australian all-rounder and troubleshooter, could be back for the crucial game. Stoinis limped off the field with a hamstring strain while bowling his second over in Delhi’s first match of the resumed IPL in the UAE.

Speaking about the last league stage match on Friday, which went down to the wire before Capitals lost to Bangalore, head coach Ricky Ponting said that this loss will give the team a chance to reflect and how they can improve ahead of the qualifier match against Chennai Super Kings.

“It was a disappointing way for the game to end, and for us to lose the way we did, but I am not unhappy about it at all. I actually think, it’s a really good thing because it will give the boys a chance to reflect and think about how we can improve for Sunday’s game, and it’s a short turnaround, so you have to forget about things and start focusing on the next game,” Ponting told Delhi Capitals media.