Wednesday’s IPL match between Delhi Capitals and Lucknow Super Giants was a classic example of how things pan out backstage and how they impact the outcome of the match greatly. It’s not just on-field decisions that count.
So, what happened at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow was that chasing 142 to win, Delhi Capitals found themselves reduced to 26/4 in the blink of an eye and were staring a shameful defeat in the face. As captain Axar Patel was heading back to the dugout, the seasoned South African batsman David Miller was in the act of putting on his helmet before walking in. It was obvious he would go in to bat, in light of his massive experience and DC’s pathetic situation.
Just then DC head coach Hemang Badani came running down the stairs next to the DC’s dugout, and he appeared to tell Miller not to go in next. Instead, it’s Miller’s South African team-mate Tristan Stubbs he asked to go in next. Boy, was it a masterstroke. Check out the video below to understand truly what happened.
Believe it or not, DC didn’t lose another wicket in the match and comfortably took the contest in 17.1 overs. Stubbs remained unbeaten on 39 off 32 balls and played second fiddle to Sameer Rizvi, who made 70 not out off 47 balls. Stubbs, who plays spinners very well, made sure that he played as per the requirements of the chase, which was just not to get out on a seamer-friendly pitch.
The video has since gone viral. It’s yet another example of how the backstage staff contributes to wins. More often than not, we only see things that unfold on the ground, but thanks to some good camera work on Wednesday, we became privy to the happenings that take place away from the spotlight.
Recently, in a press conference in Delhi, Badani had looked at peace with himself. He didn’t look under pressure at all, which was quite surprising since DC, along with Punjab Kings, are the only old teams that haven’t won the IPL yet. Some found his demeanour a bit casual. But Badani has now proved that the way one appears or behaves doesn’t count much. What counts is how one acts. And the way he made that call yesterday, he has indeed won a lot of hearts now.
