Time for consolidation

Already knocked out of the tournament's play-off stage, Delhi Daredevils have just pride to play for but Royal Challengers Bangalore have a lot at stake when the two teams clash in a Pepsi IPL match here on Friday. In a complete contrast to their last year's performance, Delhi have not looked even a pale shadow of themselves. With nine defeats from 12 matches, it has only gone from bad to worse for the home side.

In the current scenario, however, they can play without any pressure. There is no burden of expectations on the misfiring batters and out-of-sorts bowlers. They now have nothing to lose and can just go on to play party-poppers. Delhi's top order has failed for inexplicable reasons. Neither Virender Sehwag nor captain Mahela Jayawardene has lived up to their reputations. Australian left-hander David Warner is the only one who has done his bit. Bangalore, who may still be recovering from a rude David Miller shock, cannot afford to take a step wrong as the fight for the play-offs is tight. Sitting at the top, Chennai Super Kings are almost assured of a berth in the knock-out stage but there is a close battle among Mumbai Indians, Bangalore, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals for the remaining three slots for the play-offs.