Doesn’t smell like team spirit

What Delhi lacked: The right combination in the playing XI. Delhi didn’t have a fast bowling all-rounder who would have made a big difference to the balance of the team.

Performance of local Delhi players: To be frank,they disappointed me. However,I thought the best Delhi talent was sitting out and never given a chance.

The Kotla pitch: Gambhir was right in his criticism of the pitch. I would have prepared a better pitch standing there.

Player they want to see with Delhi next season: Shane Watson/Dwanye Bravo.

Maninder Singh
On Gambhir’s captaincy: A captain is always as good as his team. The results might not favour Gambhir but he’s definitely future captaincy material; because I have seen him from a young age managing teams,and doing well. He was done in by some irresponsible batting at the top,right from Virender Sehwag to Dilshan to AB de Villiers.

What Delhi lacked: In one line,all the batsmen failed to apply themselves.

Performance of local Delhi players: I would say it was an average performance. I am a big fan of Mithun Manhas,I always felt this boy will go on to play for India but somehow,whenever there has been a pressure situation,Manhas hasn’t been able to carry his team through. Sangwan has looked good but his bowling speeds have been varying too much. He starts from 120kmph and bowls 134-135kmph,which means he’s not warming up properly. One has to warm-up before the game,not during it.

The Kotla pitch: It’s a simple case of too many cooks spoiling the broth. Venkat Sundaram is doing a good job but I would like to see a professional taking up the job,someone who has prepared a lot of wickets over the years and has lot of knowledge. One can’t look beautiful by applying make-up all the time. The skin has to be good too. I hope to see a good pitch next season.

Player they want to see with Delhi next season: Ambati Rayadu/Saurabh Tiwary in the middle-order.

Amit Bhandari
On Gambhir’s captaincy: I think he’s good captaincy material and has a knack of taking good decisions but I feel his injury had a lasting effect. From there on,the focus blurred but at the same time he was let down his team.

What Delhi lacked: An overseas player who is good against spin. Warner got one century but he flopped in all other innings and clearly struggled against spin bowling.

Performance of local Delhi players: It’s unfair to take a call on local players because the bench strength wasn’t entirely tested. Also Manhas,Bhatia,Sangwan were on and off which makes it very difficult for any player to come straight and perform — unlike a Saurabh Tiwary or a Badrinath,who have been nurtured throughout the tournament.

The Kotla pitch: I think two teams have struggled without having a proper home base — Deccan because they were forced to play at different places and Delhi because they never could get a pitch to suit their strength. Delhi had batsmen who loved the ball to come to them,and also a good pace attack but unfortunately the Kotla pitch failed on both counts.

Player they want to see with Delhi next season: Murali Kartik bowling with Amit Mishra,and I also want to see Gambhir opening with Virender Sehwag.