DD skipper Jean-Paul Duminy gives CSK the upper hand

Chennai: With a new-look side at his disposal, Delhi Daredevils skipper Jean-Paul Duminy conceded that two-time champions Chennai Super Kings have an upper hand in their opening game of the IPL, here on Thursday.

"Definitely CSK has an upper hand going by their track record in the IPL. They have been a consistent performing team through out the IPL editions. That gives us an opportunity to play with freedom and express ourselves. On countless occasions I have said we are a revamped team and we are sure to express ourselves and do well under the Delhi banner," the South African said.

On composition of the team, he said, "We have not necessarily decided on the playing eleven yet. It is a revamped pitch, we first wanted to have a look at the strip and see what is the possibility of tomorrow is and then decide."

On being questioned about big buy Yuvraj Singh's lack of international presence for a while, Duminy said, "It does not matter if he has not been part of the Indian side. He is a match winner and a strong all-rounder. I have no doubt in this IPL that Yuvraj will win games on his own. We have seen that time and time again that he has put in big performances in IPL events.

And I know he takes lot of pride in his own performance. I have no doubt that we can expect some big things from him representing Delhi this year."

On the team's chances, he said, "We should find a way to get two full points from tomorrow match. We spoke today about getting dirty and putting our bodies on the line. Look there is no guarantee in results but we have to give our best. We have had a really good week of preparation before coming here. We have got a fair idea of our strengths and weaknesses. It is all about how we are going to get our two points, whether ugly or pretty."

Duminy admitted that the nine-match losing streak in the last edition is surely on the minds of the players and they will certainly work towards changing their fortunes.

"We have been talking about it. We know that it is a reality. There is no point in shying away from it. We have got to accept the fact that we were well below par last season. We have put strategies in place that will help us in getting good starts. The start in the tournament will be crucial for us. If we start well tomorrow, it will give us lot of confidence. In going in to the rest of the tournament. We are going to take one game at a time and give our shot. It is always going to be a challenge and as a captain it is a challenge for me and I am looking forward to it."

On pace ace Zaheer Khan, he said, "Zaheer's stats speak for himself. He has been exceptionally successful in International cricket and in IPL editions in the past. He is going to be a crucial part of our team going forward."

On how does the combination get affected since Angelo Mathews will not be playing tomorrow's match, the captain said, "I cannot comment on Angelo Mathews. But obviously if he is not playing it is a big loss for us. He is a crucial player. On the other side of it, it also gives a great chance for other players. We have got nine international players and each of them is a match winner in their own way.

So,it is about putting their hands up and making the opportunity count. We have not finalised our playing eleven yet and whichever the combination that we go tomorrow we back the players."