Delhi’s miserable domestic run continues as they lose to Puducherry by nine wickets

In the opening game of their new season, Delhi, the defending champions, were humiliated by Puducherry at home by a score of nine wickets. Former Madhya Pradesh fast bowler Gourav Yadav haunted Delhi in their own backyard by taking took a 10-wicket match haul

Puducherry had one of their greatest victories in Ranji Trophy history on Monday, January 8, when they defeated Delhi, one of the league’s heavyweights, by nine wickets in the opening game of Elite Group D at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. On a chilly morning in the capital city, Puducherry only needed to chase 51 runs to win, and they did so in style in only 13.4 overs.

Conditions favouring quick bowling meant that Captain Yash Dhull’s troubles persisted, with the young hitter unable to lead from the front. Gaurav Yadav, a former fast bowler from Madhya Pradesh who relocated to Puducherry for the Ranji Trophy, had an innings-long performance that tormented the Delhi batters.

Delhi’s collapse was masterminded by Gaurav Yadav, who took a career-high seven wickets for only 49 runs in the opening innings. In the second innings, he took three more wickets to round off his match total of ten. Puducherry was able to solidify their lead on the second day of the match because to his mesmerising performance, which held Delhi to a meagre 148 runs. Then, as if according to a script, Puducherry’s top order held fast against Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini, two former international bowlers from Delhi, who were unable to make any progress against the opposition’s batting order.

Delhi’s problems were made worse by their middle-order breakdown, which appeared to be a recurrent issue. In a shocking change of events, Delhi was on the verge of a humiliating home defeat after losing seven wickets for only 54 runs in the last play session. Puducherry’s other top bowler, Abin Mathew, compounded Delhi’s suffering by taking five wickets, including the vital dismissal of Delhi skipper Yash Dhull.

Delhi hasn’t played as well in the Ranji Trophy lately as they once did. They were formerly considered one of the biggest names in Indian domestic cricket, having won seven titles.

Even though Delhi has struggled to go past the group stages in the previous two Ranji Trophy seasons, questions concerning squad selection and talent management have taken front stage.

Delhi is now all set to go to Jammu and Kashmir for their season’s second match on January 12, it won’t be any easier.