Gambhir says Daredevils face opening dilemma

Johannesburg, May 03: With David Warner grabbing the opportunity with both hands and sizzling in his IPL debut, Delhi Daredevils would have an opening slot dilemma when regular captain Virender Sehwag returns from an injury, stand-in skipper Gautam Gambhir said.

Asked about team composition for Tuesday`s match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Durban, Gambhir admitted there was an issue to deal with.

"We haven`t decided as yet. Once Sehwag is back, then we will decide about the team composition, particularly on the openers," Gambhir said. "In my opinion, deciding on the openers is key, after that, it then does not matter who bats in which order," he said.

Sehwag, currently nursing a finger injury, and Gambhir have not been able to replicate their batting prowess in this year`s IPL.

In Sehwag`s absence, Warner opened the innings against Chennai Super Kings last night and hit a 40-ball 51 to make his mark.

Gambhir conceded the explosive Australian was in red hot form.

"The way Viru demolishes the attacks from the word go, we knew we are going to miss him. But fortunately we had David Warner in the squad. The way he batted was wonderful and he making a fifty on his debut was great," Gambhir said.

Gambhir`s own form has not been anything to write home about and the left-hander felt time was ripe to come out of the bad patch.

"It is important when you want to contribute to the team. Now we have eight more matches to go I hope I will be able to strike back. I would love to contribute with the bat," he said.

Overall, Gambhir said, the Daredevils have done well in the tournament so far, notwithstanding the occasional hiccups.

"I think we are still at the top of the table, so imagine if we had performed well where we would be," he said.

"I think we have a good chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. There are times when we have lost out wickets trying to take our chances. One can`t be really consistent in this format of the game," added the left-hander.