The biggest plus is that Shreyas Iyer is back for the UAE leg: Mohammad Kaif

Delhi Capitals assistant coach Mohammad Kaif has expressed that his team’s opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the second phase of the IPL 2021 will be very crucial. The Delhi team under the leadership of Rishabh Pant is currently sitting on the top of the points table. They have won six of their eight matches so far and would be keen on sealing a spot in the playoff.

Kaif, in an interaction, said the break has been a huge one for the players. However, he also noted that most of the players from the Delhi Capitals unit have played some international cricket and that should keep them in good stead for the second phase of IPL 2021. He also pointed out that the Capitals unit has a good mix of youth and experience.

The first match is going to be crucial for us: Mohammad Kaif

“There has been a big break after the first half of the IPL, but we are fortunate that most of the players have been playing international cricket regularly. We have a well-balanced side as there are players with international cricket experience and domestic players, who have been putting in good performances,” said Kaif. “The first match is going to be crucial for us. Our performance in the first match will set the momentum for us,” he added.

🗣️ "You have to start again, we have to start fresh."@MohammadKaif shares his first thoughts after coming out of quarantine in 🇦🇪, and gives an insight into DC's approach for the 2️⃣nd half of #IPL2021 🙌🏼#YehHaiNayiDilli #CapitalsUnplugged @OctaFX pic.twitter.com/ZkDggpmmnz

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) September 15, 2021

One of the biggest plus for the Delhi Capitals will be the fact that they have Shreyas Iyer back in the side. The right-handed batter had missed the first leg due to an injury but has managed to get fit in time for the second leg in the UAE. Interestingly enough, Iyer was the skipper for Delhi in the last two seasons, but Pant had to step in for the first leg in India this year. Despite recovering and making a comeback, Delhi decided to continue with Pant as the skipper.

“There are not many changes to the squad as compared to the first half of the tournament, however the biggest plus for us is that Shreyas Iyer is back in the squad. He is a fantastic player and he’s been playing well for us in the last couple of seasons,” said Kaif.

Delhi will be playing their first match on September 22, 2021.