Internet Desk: A batting heavy Rising Pune Supergiant will look to sort out the problems in the bowling department ahead of Tuesday’s clash against Delhi Daredevils. The Supergiant bowling trio of Ashoke Dinda, Dan Christian and Ben Stokes looked ordinary with the ball in the game against Kings XI Punjab. Apart from South African leg spinner Imran Tahir, the other bowlers looked un-impressive so far. Stokes, who was bought by the franchisee for a whopping Rs.14 crore to become the most expensive cricketer in IPL, has so far failed to impress with the ball. With the absence of Ravichandran Ashwin, Tahir desperately need support from the other end.
Daredevils on the other hand failed to make a winning start in the IPL, following their loss to Royal Challengers Bangalore. Despite restricting RCB to 157 for eight, the batting line-up of Daredevils failed to chase down the target, managing 142 for nine wickets in their alloted 20 overs. The batting line up comprising of Sam Billings, Aditya Tare and Karun Nair has all failed to impress with the bat in the middle overs.
Young Risabh Pant showed great nerves in scoring a 36 ball 57 runs, days after losing his father.
A lot will depend on Caribbean T20 specialist Craig Brathwaite if Daredevils will look to make an impact in the tournament.
On the other hand Rising Pune Supergiant slumped to a 6 wickets defeat at the hands of Kings XI Punjab in the last match after an impressive win in the first match. It is imperative that both Steve Smith and Ajinkya Rahane make a substantial contribution with the bat. With former India captain MS Dhoni looking subdued, both Smith and Rahane will have to play a bigger role.
England all-rounder Ben Stokes and Manoj Tiwary rescued the Pune side against Kings XI Punjab. While Stokes made a valuable 50, Tiwary scored a quickfire unbeaten 40.
But it is Pune’s bowling attack which lacks bite.