Delhi Capitals' opener, David Warner, has openly acknowledged the pressure his team faces in the ongoing IPL 2024, emphasizing the necessity to win all remaining games to have a shot at the playoffs. Following a series of disappointing outcomes, with five losses in eight matches, the Capitals find themselves in a critical position as they prepare to face the Gujarat Titans on Wednesday.
Speaking during a media interaction, Warner expressed concern over the team's current standings. "We're not where we want to be for the team's sake. We'd like to win a few more games. But we've got to win the next remainder to obviously compete in the finals. So for us, it's about doing as best as we can. Hopefully, we can play each game like we did against Gujarat," he stated.
The Australian cricketer stressed the need for overall improvement in both batting and bowling. Warner pointed out that minimizing the opposition's totals when bowling first, and setting a substantial target when batting first, are crucial strategies for the Capitals moving forward. He also highlighted the effectiveness of their bowling attack, recalling how they managed to bowl out Gujarat Titans for just 89 runs in their previous encounter.
Warner praised the preparation and training efforts of his team but noted that the execution during matches sometimes falls short. "Cannot fault the way the guys are training and preparing. It's just sometimes in the games that the execution isn't there. And we know when we take wickets up front and early, we're a very dangerous bowling attack," he added.
Additionally, Warner took a moment to commend the performances of two young players in the team, Jake Fraser-McGurk and Abishek Porel, who have both made significant impacts this season. "Jake's (Jake Fraser-McGurk) been very good. We know he's always had the talent. Abishek Porel has been outstanding as well," Warner remarked.
He recounted a pivotal moment from Porel, who wasn't originally slated to play but was called up as an impact player after early wickets fell. Porel’s explosive performance, scoring over thirty runs in just nine balls, was a game-changer according to Warner. He further emphasized Porel's potential, stating, "I think he had nine balls or something and he got 30-odd runs. That changed the game and then the other day as well, he played very well. He is going to be a very good player."
(With PTI inputs)