Friday, February 8, 2013

Mushtaq Ahmed to be Daredevils bowling consultant


Delhi Daredevils have been one of the promising sides in the Indian Premier League, though they have failed to reach even in one of the last five finals which the tournament has seen since 2008. Batting of Delhi Daredevils has always been formidable with Virender Sehwag being the face of Delhi based franchise team. However, the bowling has lacked the same sharpness. Until now, Delhi Daredevils have depended on a fast bowling attack which does not seemed to have bear fruits given the indigenous spinning conditions of the Indian pitches. It is probably for this reason that Delhi Daredevils are looking to strengthen their spin bowling department.

Former Pakistani spinner Mushtaq Ahmed will be seen as the bowling consultant for the Delhi Daredevils in the forthcoming season of IPL. Ahmed has been bowling coach for the England team and has been credited for spectacular bowling performances by English spinners like Graeme Swann and Monty Panesar. Mushtaq Ahmed even toured India during the recently concluded test series between India and England. England spinners made living difficult for Indian batsman in the series wherein England got their first test series win on Indian soil after decades and that too in a comprehensive manner.

Considering all these, Delhi Daredevils have decided to harness the spinning connoisseur’s help to sharpen their bowling department. Mushtaq Ahmed will be second Pakistani cricketer to coach an IPL side after Wasim Akram, who has been coaching the bowlers of Kolkata Knight Riders. Even though former Pakistani players have found a place in IPL, the current crop of Pakistani cricketers are yet to benefit from the money spinning tournament; since after 26/11, Pakistani players have been shunned by IPL teams. IPL chairman Rajiv Shukla said that the scope of existence for Pakistani players in IPL will be mulled over in 2014.

The IPL Schedule begins April 3, 2013.

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