IPL 2017: Mohammed Shami hoping to win remaining contests for Delhi Daredevils (DD)
IPL 2017: Shami hoping to win remaining contests for DD
Delhi Daredevils (DD) will be taking on Gujarat Lions (GL) at Green Park, Kanpur, in Match 50 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017. Both teams have failed to qualify for the playoffs of the 10th season, with their respective campaigns being marred with inconsistency in the initial stages. The Zaheer Khan-led DD is at No. 7 position whereas Suresh Raina’s GL are at No. 6 in the IPL 2017 points table. But, despite being ruled out of the race to the IPL 2017 playoffs, DD pacer Mohammed Shami is optimistic about his side bowing out of the tournament with head held high. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD, Gujarat Lions vs Delhi Daredevils – Match 50
Speaking on the eve of the game, Shami said, “We have played at Green Park previously as well so we know the conditions very well. So we will share the experience with the youngsters and this should help the team given the condition we are in.”
DD will play two games after their clash with GL. The Daredevils will play against Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) followed by the last game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). If they manage to win all three games, DD stand a chance to finish at No.5 position in the points table.
“Yes, we will definitely look forward to finish as high as we can in the IPL 2017 points table. Even though we are not qualifying for the playoffs, we will keep a positive approach in the remaining games and try winning the games. We may or may not come out as winners but we will certainly go ahead with a positive approach” said Shami.
DD saw South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada and all-rounder Chris Morris along Sri Lankan all-rounder Angelo Mathews return back to their nations to take part in the international commitments. Shami feels this is the opportunity for domestic Indian players to step up and make their chances count.
“This is a very good opportunity to domestic players to make a name for themselves. We had players from South Africa and also we have many domestic players in our side since the start. So we can unquestionably try getting some new players in the playing XI and try testing them in the forthcoming games” he said.
Shami, who was affected with injuries, made a comeback in IPL after a brief period and was immediately selected in India’s squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2017. Talking about his injury, comeback and the Champions Trophy 2017 selection, Shami said, “I am coming back in the team after a very long time. There were certain apprehensions regarding my fitness. But I was being patient and eagerly waiting to make comeback as quickly as I could. I was itching to get back because I wanted to prove my fitness and get back in contention for Champions Trophy 2017. So now I am just hoping to gain confidence from IPL 2017 and carry on with the same in Champions Trophy 2017.”
India, who are the defending champions of the Champions Trophy will have a tough task to keep retain the trophy. But Shami is confident that the defending champions will again emerge victorious in England.
“We have played some excellent all-round cricket in the recent past. The way the team has performed, confidence will be high. We did not perform well in Tests in England but in ODIs we were good and so we will like to defend our title this year as well,” Shami said.