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XtraTime Web Desk: Delhi Capital’s assistant coach Mohammed Kaif on Thursday said that the players are better prepared for the match coming up on Friday against Chennai Super Kings at Dubai International Stadium. Having won their first match of the campaign against Kings XI Punjab on Sunday, Delhi Capitals will go into the match high on confidence, but will have to deal with the threat of CSK as they will be looking to bounce back from their loss to Rajasthan on Tuesday.

Chennai Super Kings starts as overwhelming favourites having won 14 times in the clashes between both sides. However, Kaif says it will be “a different ball game altogether” in the UAE. “I believe stats might not give the proper picture this season. We played them last time 16-17 months ago, so a lot has changed since then. We’re a very different squad from last season and have brought in some players in the Auction,” he said.

The Assistant Coach was also asked whether CSK playing their third game in six days on Friday will be an advantage for the Delhi Capitals, to which he said, "I'm not sure if it is an advantage. I believe on the day you have to play well to win. In this tournament, everyone is strong and we’ve all got equal teams. But if you ask me personally, I think this four-day break has been good for us – we’ve had the chance to go to the nets and debrief as well, so it has been beneficial.”

The former Indian player was also quizzed about what he believes is the par score in the UAE. “I guess at the moment 160-170 might be good. But at Sharjah, you might see bigger scores. There is also the factor that batsmen are a bit rusty also, and that means there is scope for improvement. So I'm sure you'll see much higher scores in the coming few matches also around 180-190,” he said.

Kaif also commented on what Marcus Stoinis brings to the side. “He's been playing for his country for a long time. He is a perfect match for our team because he can float - he might go up the order according to the situation. We needed someone like him, and are really happy to have him performing,” Kaif expressed.

The Delhi Capitals assistant coach also gave an update on the injury status of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ishant Sharma.

"Ashwin is going for practice today and we haven’t taken a call yet if he is going to be available or not for tomorrow’s game. We will see how the practice goes," Kaif said. "We are monitoring him closely. But yes, if he is not fit to play tomorrow, we have Amit Mishra who is very experienced player, and has been doing well in the IPL. So yes that’s a plus point in this squad that we have got a replacement ready in case required," added the former Indian batsman.

Kaif also provided a similar update on pacer Ishant Sharma. "Ishant had a full run yesterday. He was sprinting well and is currently under observation. Our team physio Patrick Farhart has been keeping a close eye on him and we will also take a call today after our practice session in the evening," said the 39-year-old.