IPL 2014: Struggling Daredevils face in-form Super Kings

MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings look to continue winning run. Pic courtesy: BCCI

New Delhi, May 4 (IANS) The Delhi Daredevils are looking to get back to winning ways when they take on two-time champions Chennai Super Kings Monday after losing their home tie against the Rajasthan Royals Friday in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Ferozeshah Kotla here.

While the Daredevils have won only two of their six matches, the Super Kings have been on a roll with five consecutive triumphs after they lost their opening clash against Kings XI Punjab at the start of the tournament.

It will be a tough challenge for the home team to stop the raging Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led outfit who thumped the Daredevils in an earlier fixture in Dubai by a 93-run margin April 21.

However, Daredevils skipper Kevin Pietersen is optimistic about his team’s chances ahead of the key clash.

“We have a game against the Chennai Super Kings tomorrow and that match is going to be the key for us. Hopefully we can start winning, this match onwards. In terms of performance we are not far off from the others. An over or two here and there can make all the difference,” Pietersen said here Sunday.

“Our batting is absolutely fine. We will win games. We have got three matches next week and we expect to do well at home. There were some key moments in the past few matches which did not go well for us.”

The former England captain is also impressed with the eagerness of his young Indian teammates who are more than willing to learn fromt he Englishman.

“All the young Indian batsmen are very exciting to watch. There is not even a single person who does not want to learn. They come and ask questions and I am very happy to help them out,” said the 33-year-old.

The Super Kings game is important for the Daredevils as a win could provide the team the momentum they need to face the Kolkata Knight Riders (May 7) and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 10) subsequently at home.