Delhi Capitals' assistant coach Mohammad Kaif, who attended his first practice session with the team at the Cricket Club of India in Mumbai on Saturday, expressed that the franchise is aiming for nothing short of winning the title in this year's Indian Premier League (IPL).
"We want to go one step further this year and that's the Delhi Capitals team goal. We have the players to win the title. We were very close last year and the plus point for this season is that most of the players such as Rishabh Pant have been playing a lot of cricket. They have been in touch with the game and therefore they are in good rhythm going into the IPL," said the 40-year-old in an official Delhi Capitals release.
The assistant coach also added that the Delhi Capitals focussed on taking catches under lights during their practice session on Saturday.
"The players have been carrying out batting and bowling drills in the last few days. As a coaching group, we decided to focus on fielding skills in today's practice session. The players took some catches under lights. It was a great session. I got to meet many young players in the team and the experienced ones as well. I had a good chat with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane."
The Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting will be attending his first training session with the team soon after completing his quarantine period. Kaif expressed that he and Ponting will be drawing out a plan for the team's practice sessions in the upcoming days.
"I am looking forward to meeting Ricky in person. I have been in touch with him on the phone. We will chalk out a training plan with Ponting for the upcoming days once he joins the team on the field," signed off Kaif.
Last week, Delhi Capitals had appointed Rishabh Pant as the skipper for IPL 2021 season as Shreyas Iyer was ruled out of the tournament due to a shoulder injury.
In his new role, Pant in a statement had said, "Delhi is where I grew up, and where my IPL journey began six years ago. To lead this team one day is a dream I've always harboured. And today, as that dream comes true, I feel humbled. I am truly grateful, especially to our team owners, who considered me capable enough for this role. With an amazing coaching staff, and a plethora of accomplished seniors around me, I can't wait to give my absolute best for Delhi Capitals."
Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2021 campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on April 10.
( With inputs from ANI )
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