We have the capability to perform even better in the second half of IPL: Delhi Capitals' Steve Smith

Star Australian batsman Steve Smith, who has joined the Delhi Capitals pre-season camp in Dubai, reckons that the team can do even better in the second half of the VIVO IPL 2021. The Delhi Capitals are currently at the top of the table with 12 points, registering 6 wins in 8 matches. “We have to pick up from where we left off. We were playing some really good cricket, getting the results we were after. And I think we can do even better so we should be playing our best cricket in the back end of the tournament. You have to play well enough to get to the final, but hopefully, we can play our best cricket in the final,” said Smith, as per a Delhi Capitals press release.

The reliable top-order Australian batsman added that the team will certainly have to build itself again for the remainder of the IPL. “It’s been a few months since we have played together so we have to build again. We have a great squad and we have Shreyas Iyer back in the side as well, which adds a lot more to us. He’s a quality player and good to see him back out in the park,” he added.

Speaking about the trying times around the world due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Smith said that he’s fortunate to be playing in the IPL during a tumultuous time. He said, “It’s been a very unique time in the world in the last 18 months. We’ve all had to work together to try and get through this and we have to continue to get through the situation. I am really fortunate to have a chance to come back for the second half of the tournament. I am looking forward to it. Delhi are sitting at a great spot on the table so hope that we can keep playing some great cricket and be there at the business end of the tournament.”

Amit Mishra: We have to start afresh

The Delhi Capitals are set to take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad on 22 September, when the remainder of the IPL season resumes. Despite Delhi being on top of the table, Amit Mishra had recently said that all teams will have to start afresh when the season resumes this month. He added, “We are at the top of the table right now, but we have to start afresh. We have to set our strategies again. I think every team has an equal chance of doing well now since we are all re-starting the tournament. We are playing the second half of the IPL in a different country, so we have to devise our strategies according to the conditions here in the UAE.”

The leg-spinner added that the Delhi Capitals will try to build on the momentum they had gained in the first half of the season. “We have been doing well in the last two seasons and the performances have come because of a collective effort. From coaches to selectors to players, everyone should be credited for Delhi Capitals’ progress as a team in the last few years. We will try to build on our momentum from the first half of the IPL 2021 season and take one match at a time once the season resumes,” said the 38-year-old.