With IPL in its halfway stage, the first match of the Super Sunday between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Delhi Daredevils (DD) promises to be one cracker of a tie and the way the teams have been performing, it is difficult to predict the favorite. Two teams with contrasting style of play have managed to emerge successful in their endeavor. DD top the table while RR is on the fifth position.

Here are some of the players who would be in the thick of the action today and the result of the match is likely to depend on as to how these players perform.

Delhi Daredevils:

Virender Sehwag: The captain of the Delhi team looked very good in the last innings that he played. He looks focused as well as determined to prove his point in this years’ IPL and if he stays on the pitch for a substantial time then Rajasthan Royals would have to run for covers.

Mahela Jayawerdene: After going through a rough phase in the tournament initially, he has finally got into the rhythm. Jayawardene, who was always in a force to reckon with, scored a half century in their last match to help DD post a win over Mumbai Indians.

Umesh Yadav: He is India’s premier fast bowler and is also a very important component of Delhi’s bowling attack. He has not been that successful as everyone expected him to be, but he can prove very dangerous especially with the new ball. He can swing the ball both ways and can clock over 140 km/hr consistently.

Irfan Pathan: Pathan has bowled well in all the matches for Delhi Daredevils. The best thing about his bowling has been that he has got his swing back and that has made him look very dangerous. With the bat as well he has played some good innings and Delhi will need his all-round skill to come out on top against Royals.

Rajasthan Royals:

Rahul Dravid: What to say about this player.  He is one of the most respected cricketers in the world, and threat to any team he is facing. Dravid has been getting constant starts but has failed to convert it into a big score except for the last match where he scored a half century. He knows the Kotla conditions well and Royals would want their skipper to fire up the order.

Brad Hodge: Age may not be on his side, but with the talent he has, it still makes him very effective. He is one man who always looks in good form. He is a tremendous finisher and plays some lovely strokes.

Brad Hogg: He is one of the senior statesmen in IPL. He is over 40, but the way he enjoys the game and his bowling skills are amazing. His chinaman can give batsmen nightmares, and his googly is still very deceptive. Hogg is a skilled customer and can do wonders on his day. It will be good to see him bowl against Virender Sehwag.

Siddharth Trivedi: He is one of the most experienced RR bowlers in IPL. He has been struggling with his form and has not bowled the way his team expects him to. Trivedi is a skitty customer and is very good in changing pace.

By Samikshan Dutta Choudhury

Indian Sports News