We have sufficient time to get back into rhythm: Delhi Capitals assistant coach Ajay Ratra

Delhi Capitals have been one of the standout teams in the first portion of the VIVO IPL 2021, occupying the top spot in the table. They have won six of the eight matches to garner 12 points so far in the league. Having kick-started their preparations for the remainder of the IPL at the ICC Academy in Dubai, the JSW and GMR co-owned franchise Delhi Capitals is looking to make a fresh start for the final phase of the season. The last portion of the tournament is scheduled to begin from 19 September in UAE. Ajay Ratra, who is currently overlooking the Delhi Capitals’ pre-season camp along with assistant coach Pravin Amre, believes his team has sufficient time to get back into the rhythm for the second half of the tournament.

“It’s a different season altogether, generally it happens in full flow, and we had good momentum in the first half. Now that it’s happening after a break, so we will have to start afresh, and that’s why our franchise has organized this camp a little early. We do have sufficient time to get back into the rhythm we had in the first half of the competition, and fortunately, most of our players have been playing international cricket,” said Ajay Ratra, according to a Delhi Capitals release.

Ajay Ratra: Breaks do make a difference

Delhi Capitals have been one of the most consistent teams in the first half of the IPL 2021. With six wins and two losses from eight matches, Delhi is currently on the top of the points table. They are closely followed by Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the second and third positions, respectively, with ten points each. When asked whether the long gap will break the team’s momentum, Ajay Ratra opined, “Even in Test cricket, sometimes it becomes difficult to find the rhythm after lunch breaks. So, breaks do make a difference.”

“However, as I said before, we still have time, and most of our core players are playing international cricket, so they might be already in a good rhythm. Whereas, those who are coming from a long break, are utilising this camp. We have been spending more time with our domestic players, and there are good facilities here, so we will hopefully find our rhythm soon,” he added.

He was also asked whether the coaching staff is in touch with the Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting and bowling coach James Hopes, who are yet to join the team. Ajay Ratra replied, “Yes, we have been in touch with Ricky and Hopes. We do zoom calls with Delhi Capitals management regularly, and everyone from the coaching staff attends it, including our strength and conditioning Coach Rajinikanth Sivagnanam, Physios Dhananjay Kaushik and Patrick Farhart.”

“We usually discuss the kind of practice regimes we need to set. Also, when this camp started Pravin Bhai (Pravin Amre) presented the whole plan to Ricky and all the other coaches. Similarly, I shared fielding plans for this camp with everyone,” Delhi Capitals assistant coach Ratra concluded.