Gambhir and Sehwag as openers have been quite disappointing, but that hasn’t put a spoke in their progress as the middle order comprising of AB de Villiers, Dinesh Karthik and Tillakaratne Dilshan has virtually rendered Delhi’s batting line-up impenetrable. The three of them have quietly played their part in all those wins that Delhi has to its credit.

McGrath wrote in the Hindu: “We have proved that we are the best, most rounded side in the tournament. We have great depth in the batting, with A.B. de Villiers, Dilshan and David Warner really doing a good job. Gautam Gambhir has been good in a couple of games, but he has been a little below his high standards.”

Dilshan attributes his good from to the fact that he is batting up the order, and also to the wicket: “Most of my career, I have batted down the order at No. 5 or 6. But I always prefer going up and I think that has a lot to do with my success in the tournament so far,’’ Dilshan told the TOI. “These are the wickets I have always loved batting on. I can play on the backfoot and that has helped me immensely here,’’ he added. Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik is still grappling with the disappointment of not having been selected in the National squad for the World T20: “It obviously felt bad, but I knew my job was to keep performing. It’s good that the IPL has gone well for me so far,’’ he said. However, Delhi coach Greg Shipperd is all praise for Karthik: “He is easily the best wicketkeeper batsman in the country after MS Dhoni. Coming at No. 6, he is our perfect all-rounder.”

On the bowling front, McGrath believes that Dirk Nannes is the ‘stand-out bowler in the tournament… He has been truly exceptional.’

Meanwhile Shipperd has suggested that for some games five foreigners be played instead of four; it will spice up the IPL. Shipperd’s suggestion is understandable; with Vettori and Nannes performing so beautifully, he has had to leave McGrath out. "With the four overseas players rule and us needing to beef our batting up with overseas players there is really often one bowling spot. It is difficult and embarrassing for me to go to Glenn McGrath and say 'Sorry mate we haven't picked you in the team'," Shipperd told IPL's official website.

"Whether it is Vettori or McGrath or a player that the competition wants to see and the player wants to play. That opportunity in three or four games across the tournament can be an avenue to play and show their skills," he added.

"This would give an ideal opportunity for IPL to go a step further with innovations that have marked the league since it was launched last year.”

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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