IPL 2021: The Way We Play Rashid Khan Is Going To Be Key; Batting Tough In Chennai But We Have Experienced Batsmen - Mohammad Kaif

Delhi Capitals assistant coach, Mohammad Kaif acknowledges the threat in the form of Rashid Khan which his side will come up against on Sunday. The Capitals, who are coming off back-to-back victories, will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad, who registered their first win of the season a few days ago, in Chennai.

Mohammad Kaif reckons his batters need to be wary of Rashid Khan, who had 5 wickets in 4 matches so far at an outstanding economy of 5.06. However, the former India batsman also is confident of his batsmen to not only tackle the Rashid Khan threat but also come out trumps on the sluggish Chepauk track, on which they defeated the Mumbai Indians will smart planning and execution by 6 wickets.

“The way we play Rashid Khan is going to be the key for us on this pitch. Batting has been tough on this pitch (in Chennai), but we have got an experienced batting line-up,” Mohammad Kaif said in a release by the franchise.

“Shikhar has been batting really well and Smith batted well in the last game. Amit Mishra bowled beautifully in the last game, and we have Ravichandran Ashwin as well. Marcus Stoinis bowled well with the new ball in the last match and the way Rishabh has been leading the side, especially on a turning track, has been a great sign,” he stressed.

Axar, Mishra, and Ashwin playing together will be a dream spin bowling attack: Mohammad Kaif

A major boost for Rishabh Pant’s team is the return of all-rounder Axar Patel, who has re-linked up with the squad after spending nearly three weeks in a medical care facility upon returning a positive covid-19 result.

It is a telling fact about the Capitals’ strength that they have won 3 out of 4 matches without Axar Patel, Shreyas Iyer, Ishant Sharma, and Anrich Nortje in the eleven.

Mohammad Kaif opines that the squad is now “perfect” with the return of the all-rounder, who significantly helped the side reach their maiden final last year. The 40-year-old is excited to field the spin trio of Patel, Amit Mishra, who was Man of the Match against Mumbai, and R Ashwin, who is yet to find his groove in the tournament.

“With Axar Patel returning to the squad, the balance of the Delhi Capitals squad is now perfect. He has been a key member of this franchise. He played a major role in the team finishing as runner-up last season and it will be no different this year. Axar, Mishra, and Ashwin playing together will be a dream spin bowling attack for us,” Kaif further stated.

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