Thaindian News

New Delhi, April 20 (IANS) Delhi Daredevils vice-captain Mahela Jayawardene Friday said an impressive bench strength offers them the luxury of rotating players during the ongoing tournament to give some players a break in a packed Indian Premier League (IPL) schedule.

The Sri Lankan, who played for the Kochi Tuskers last season, said the packed IPL schedule was not a problem for them as all the other teams had to go through it as well.

“I think every team is going through it. Some times we a few days off. If a player has a good game and he is tired we can rotate him,” said Jayawardene.

Daredevils will be without the services of Kevin Pietersen at the end of the month as he would be going back England to prepare for the home series against the West Indies.

Delhi though will welcome back Australian David Warner, who was away on national duty in the West Indies.

“KP (Pietersen) is leaving end of the month for his season so Warner will come and join the team. Plus we got many players sitting on the bench. So its all about rotation. If we feel we need to give a player a couple of days off then we give a break and utilize the bench strength. We have Andre on the bench and couple of others. So if Morne (Morkel) requires a break we will give him,” he said.

Jaywardene was also impressed with Daredevils bowling attack.

“Bowlers have done a great job. I think Morne has led the pack efficiently. Umesh (Yadav) is impressive. But I think the way Shahbaz Nadeem is bowling very very well. He is a confident guy on the field and a brilliant fielder. We have got a lot of experience in Ajit (Agarkar) and (Aavishkar) Salvi. Vaaron Aaron will be available by the end of the month,” he said.

The Sri Lankan also said that every cricketer is working on the surprise element.

“I think everyone has done different things to stay on the top of the game. I think in Twenty20 cricket scoring runs is important. To add the surprise element to their scoring quickly batsmen have come with new techniques. Dilshan’ Dilscope, KP switch-hit and many more. Bowlers have also evolved different version, to slow balls, slow bouncers and many more. It is great for the game,” he said.