The Delhi Capitals were dismissed by England’s Mark Wood’s blistering speed bowling in their IPL 2023 debut match against the Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday in Lucknow. Wood claimed career-best T20 numbers of 5/14 in just his second game of the season, having not played since making his league debut for CSK in 2018; this helped the Caps defeat the Capitals by 50 runs.
During IPL 2023, Delhi Capitals’ Sarfaraz Khan bats against Lucknow Super Giants (AP)
While Wood criticized Delhi’s batting lineup on a bad day, the way he dismissed Prithvi Shaw and Sarfaraz Khan in particular may have raised questions given that both players are anticipated to regularly compete for India’s selection. both shots appeared to be late for India’s chances because of the pace of the England spinner. Shaw attempted a big drive with short leg pace on the third ball of Wood’s opening over, but was outmuscled by a lightning stroke traveling at 147 kph that appeared to veer inward slightly and hit the off-stump.
After being in a difficult position against a short ball from Wood, Sarfaraz was ejected. Sarfaraz at first attempted to duck under it, but afterwards changed his mind and attempted to direct the ball over the goalkeeper’s head. Although he makes sufficient contact, K Gautam at fine leg receives the ball immediately.
In the days leading up to Tuesday’s home opener against Gujarat Titans, Delhi Capitals director of cricket Sourav Ganguly defended the Indian batsmen.
Everyone must learn how to play against fast bowling, he said. These batters are talented. Shaw has previously scored against real pace. One single ball only ever crossed him. You must give Wood credit for the way he bowled. As he went outside, it was one of those days.
“Even Mitch Marsh, who has only ever played fast bowling, was dismissed early (first ball, to Wood). It occurs.”
Although the 25-year-old wore the gloves for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy last season, he is prone to errors as a part-time gloveman. In Lucknow, Kuldeep Yadav (he scored 36 off 21 balls) missed the stumping of Nicholas Pooran for 10 runs. Ganguly backed Sarfaraz, saying that the main focus would be on his batting.
“The contest has altered. Keepers who can bat are what you see. It is a versatile position. This year, Sarfaraz has kept wicket for Mumbai. At this level, the pressure is undoubtedly different. Yet he only took part in one game. I’ve retained. You can’t make a snap decision about it.
When asked if Sarfaraz would remain the keeper for the entire season, Ganguly, however, was evasive. Will know tomorrow, he said.
The 20-year-old Abhishek Porel, who just replaced Pant, is the only other Indian wicketkeeper in the Delhi Capitals lineup. Only three T20 matches were played by this Bengal cricketer.