‘Proper strategy will see DD through’
dubai — Former South African ODI specialist, allrounder Eric Simons said the magnificent training facilities at the ICC Academy at Dubai Sports City and the weather at this time here would not only spur his side the Delhi Daredevils, but also the IPL 2014 event as a whole in the first phase beginning on April 16.
“The atmosphere at the UAE venues are truly conducive for a tournament of this kind where the competition gets fiercer every day,” Simons, the head coach of the Delhi Daredevils IPL 2014 squad told the media at the ICC Academy nets on Sunday evening.
“Thankfully all the T20 World Cuppers are carrying the form they displayed in Bangladesh,” he added, “And with practically no alarming injury problems we should be right there in time.”
“The first five games are going to be critical though it is the early part of the event. A fine start here can propel us to the targets we have set,” Simon said.
“Every outing will be a learning experience as strategy and fitness levels have to maintained on a high tempo throughout,” he continued.
Skipper Kevin Pietersen’s fractured hand seems to be healing fast and he is to continue with the therapy and follow up here in the UAE.
“KP (Kevin Pietersen) is always an inspiration especially for the younger generation. You can see him talking to them and the seniors. On or off the field his energy and qualities rub off on his teammates,” Simons said.
“His natural enthusiasm is an important factor for us. During the auction, we went through filling up our requirements section by section and while maintaining some of the performing seniors, we have come up with excellent tried and tested young talent,” Simons said.
“Delhi Daredevils are a positive side with a healthy approach to solving problems and we maintain a great amount of flexibility when dealing with the strengths and weakness of the opponents.
“We have learnt well from our IPL 1,2, and 3 experiences and the specifics we have drawn up will prove to be crucial this time,” the 52-year old Simons said.