Delhi Capitals batter Tristan Stubbs downplayed worries about the team’s hitting, stating that they haven’t yet produced a “perfect” innings but that their performances have looked “worse” because they have been chasing in every game this season.
Stubbs thinks the perception of the Capitals’ batting performances has been molded by the fact that they have failed to set a target in the competition, despite having three victories and as many losses from six games.
Their susceptibility in high-pressure pursuits is demonstrated by the fact that all three of their losses occurred while pursuing targets over 200. In two of games, DC lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs and Chennai Super Kings by 23, failing to reach the 200-run threshold.
“It has seemed worse because we have been chasing every game. The other day, we lost three wickets in an over and we didn’t bat very well. We still made 190 something. Yes, we haven’t had the perfect innings, but we have won three out of six. Even when we have lost, we have still scored 190,” PTI quoted Stubbs as saying at the pre-match press conference on Friday.
“We know there are a couple of small moments here and there in the games. We are scoring these big scores. We are not too worried. Everyone is really positive and everyone is batting well, so that is quite exciting,” he added.
Stubbs has frequently been tasked with stabilizing the innings from the middle order, alternating between No. 5 and No. 7 depending on the match situation, since Delhi has lost wickets in heaps early on.
“I don’t really mind where I come in. If there is an opportunity to bat higher up the order, I will be more than happy to do it. I have batted through my whole career from 3 to 6. It changes all the time. With Test cricket as well, it has allowed me to be able to try and change gears and do what
“I think is right out there. In those two games, fortunately the rate never got away from us. It was always one partnership in both those games. I firmly believe in batting in partnerships and that is what I try and do my best.”
Stubbs hopes the day game on Saturday is another low-scoring event because the Feroz Shah Kotla hasn’t seen many high-scoring games this year, whether at the IPL or the T20 World Cup.
“From the (T20) World Cup to now, we haven’t seen an absolute belter here. It will probably be really similar. Hopefully it is really low, ragging and 120 plays 120. That will be great.”
