Daredevils look to end losing streak against RCB

New Delhi, May 9 (IANS):

The Delhi Daredevils will look to end their two-match losing streak in the Indian Premier League (IPL) against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Ferozeshah Kotla here Friday.

Placed second last in the points table, it must be quite a task for the Daredevils to keep themselves motivated. However, 22-year-old pacer Siddharth Kaul said that they were always motivated to win.

“Everyone wants to win but there is only one winner at the end. We are focused and we are playing good cricket which is why we did well last year. This time things did not click which happens in cricket,” said Kaul, who has played two matches for the Delhi-based team in this edition of the IPL.

On being asked how the home side was planning to counter RCB opener and man-in-form Chris Gayle, Kaul said: “He is also a human. If you bowl him a good delivery, he’ll get out. If it is a bad one, then he will hit you for a six.”

The destructive Gayle will be the key for the visitors. The West Indian has smashed 566 runs at a staggering strike rate of 164.53 this season with one century and three half centuries.

It will be an important away fixture for the Royal Challengers who would seal a qualifier berth as soon as possible. The Virat Kohli-led side have lost five of their 12 matches, including the last one, and will look to get back to winning ways.

“IPL is a roller-coaster ride. One day you win the other you don’t. So these things keep on happening. We have the strength of character to bounce back and we are in a good position to enter the qualifiers,” said left-armer Murali Kartik, who has been taking wickets regularly for the Royal Challengers.

Asked if they were taking their opponents lightly, Murali said: “As cricketers we never take anyone lightly. Delhi has lost many matches but we know they are a good side and can bounce back anytime.”

The last time the two sides played was in Bangalore April 16, when the Royal Challengers beat the Daredevils via the Super Over.