Delhi coach Eric Simons hopeful fit-again bowlers will shine

Delhi Daredevils coach Eric Simons on Tuesday said their fit-again bowlers are fresh and raring to go against Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL opener on Wednesday.

Kolkata: Delhi Daredevils coach Eric Simons on Tuesday said their fit-again bowlers are fresh and raring to go against Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL opener here on Wednesday.

"There is going to be injury. There are a few teams who are struggling with injuries. But one of the positives is that they are coming from an injury lay-off and they all are fresh. Umesh Yadav bowled really well at the nets. Hopefully that`s something that would go in our favour," Simons said. Big names like Kevin Pietersen and Jesse Ryder have been ruled out for the entire season but Simons said Delhi have prepared well. "Obviously losing KP is a big disappointment. We all know how much impact he had in the last season. We also feel very sad for Jesse Ryder. We all were really excited to have him this season. Managing those crisis moments is what IPL is all about." But he said they have traded well ahead of the season indicating Ashish Nehra`s inclusion in place of New Zealand`s Ross Taylor. "This year there`s a lot of innovation in the team selection. We have more options, having learnt the lessons. We have traded well. We have got a lot of variations now," he said. Simons also hoped that youngsters like Unmukt Chand would seize the opportunity on the big stage. "We have got some really good domestic cricketers. Hope IPL will give them the right opportunity at the big stage. We all are excited," he said. PTI