Team Delhi’s fast bowler Avesh Khan, who starred in his team’s seven-wicket victory over Chennai in the second match of the Indian T20 League, has revealed that the think tank had planned to capitalize on an underprepared MS Dhoni to eliminate his danger early.
The Chennai captain had come to bat after a well-settled Suresh Raina was run out in the first ball of the 16th over. After the southpaw had steadied Chennai's ship at 137/5, the onus was upon Dhoni to set up a competitive target for Delhi. However, the captain was dismissed for a duck.
“Since he [MS Dhoni] has not played competitive matches for some time, we had planned to put pressure on him and because of that pressure I could take his wicket," said Avesh Khan.
"Three years ago, I had a chance to take Mahi bhai's wicket, but somebody had dropped the catch. But now my dream of taking Mahi bhai's wicket is fulfilled, so I am very happy about it,” added the Indore speedster.
On Saturday, a 24-year-old Avesh Khan ended his spell with brilliant figures of 2/23 at the Wankhede Stadium as Delhi chased down Chennai’s target of 189 runs in 18.4 overs. And the bowler hopes his team to continue their momentum riding on the confidence at the start of the season.
"I was quite happy with my performance in our first match, and I am even happier because the team has won. I put the team in a good position with the wickets of Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni) and Faf du Plessis,” Khan said.
“I was happy with the way I carried out the role given to me by the team management. After winning the first match, everyone's confidence goes up. Now, we have to maintain the momentum," he added.
In the absence of Kagiso Rabada, Ishant Sharma and Anrich Niortje, Delhi found heroes in Avesh Khan and Chris Woakes and Khan believes that the team will be unstoppable when their full-strength squad will be available.
"I think we have the best fast bowling line-up in the tournament. Kagiso Rabada won the Purple Cap last season, Anrich Nortje bowled the fastest ball in IPL history last season, Ishant Sharma is an experienced bowler and Umesh Yadav has been bowling well in the nets as well. There's good competition among the fast bowlers in our team," he said.
Feature Image Courtesy: AFP/ Sajjad Hussain
