A discerning ability not to rely on a single player and never-say-die attitude have always been the hallmark of Delhi Waveriders’ campaigns in the last three seasons, that saw them lift the trophy in
A discerning ability not to rely on a single player and never-say-die attitude have always been the hallmark of Delhi Waveriders’ campaigns in the last three seasons, that saw them lift the trophy in 2014 and finish as runners-up in the inaugural season.
In 2016, the team have begun in the same vein with and have collected three wins from their four away matches so far. They have a new captain in Simon Child and the New Zealand striker has done well to guide his troops, filling in the big boots of former Delhi skipper Sardar Singh (who now plays for Punjab Warriors).
The new rule of a field goal counting as two has forced the six teams to re-think strategies and come up with freshers plans, and Delhi have been right on cue. They have relied on field goals and have also collected goals through penalty corners regularly with drag-flicker Rupin-derpal Singh in red-hot form with six strikes to his name so far.
The action now shifts to the home turf — the refurbished Shivaji Stadium is Delhi’s new home in place of the National Stadium — and the Waveriders are keen to get going in their first two home games.
On Monday, they face the fifth-placed Uttar Pradesh followed by a game against Punjab Warriors on Tuesday.
Uttar Pradesh, captained by drag-flicker V.R. Raghunath, might have just one win to show from four games, but Delhi will not take them lightly.
With the very talented Jamie Dwyer in the attackline, besides India fowards Ramandeep Singh and Akashdeep Singh, and the backline of Wouter Joulie, Gonzalo Peillat, Raghnuth (both drag-flickers) and India goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, they are a very formidable unit and can pose many questions to the hosts on the morrow.
Delhi, on the other hand, have a lot going for them. Strikers Yuvraj Walmiki and Talwinder Singh are gelling well, while the midfield is held by Steven Edwards, Timmoth Drum-mond and Tristan White.
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