DD v RPS Star Wars: Shreyas Iyer v Ben Stokes

Iyer and DD have nothing to lose; the play-off is now out of their reach. But not for Rising Pune Supergiant. A victory is paramount for survival.

Delhi Daredevils doesn’t have a lot of stars. But there are quite a few youngsters with shining talents. These guys, they aim for the sky. These guys, they are touted to be the future of Indian cricket. Shreyas Iyer, at 22, is one among these guys.

After enjoying a great debut season in 2015, in which he was awarded the ‘Emerging Player of the Year’, Iyer was frantically looking for form. The 30 runs he made in six games last season covered his class. The numbers were better this season, but none of his knocks demanded attention. Until the 96 he hit against Gujarat Lions, in a chase of 196. Coming in at 15 for two, Iyer was unperturbed; he paced his innings well, and attacked with assurance.

“Two matches left, let's hope I get two more man of the matches,” he said after the game.

Iyer and DD have nothing to lose; the play-off is now out of their reach. But not for Rising Pune Supergiant. A victory is paramount for survival. And, it would count on its richest player — Ben Stokes — to come good, like he did in the last three games.