Delhi Daredevils hopeful of Sehwag comeback

Depleted by injuries, Delhi Daredevils are hoping to have explosive opener Virender Sehwag back in the side even as pacer Morne Morkel was ruled out of their home game against Rajasthan Royals on April 6.

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Down with back spasm, Sehwag, who was Delhi's leading run-getter with a record five consecutive half-centuries last season, pulled out of the first match which the team lost to Kolkata Knight Riders.

But skipper Mahela Jayawardene hoped that Sehwag would be ready for their second game that is scheduled in Delhi.

"He has improved from the last few days. We did not want him to fly to Kolkata as it would have worsened his back spasm.

"We wanted to give him a few more days to stay in Delhi, practice and hopefully we would have him for the next game," Jayawardene said after their six wickets loss to KKR.

Meanwhile, Morkel, who was last year's Purple Cap holder (leading wicket-taker with 25 scalps), will be unavailable for the next game.

Playing in South African domestic cricket, Morkel's team Titans on Wednesday made the Ram Slam T20 Challenge final which will be held on April 7.

"Morkel will hence be able to join the side after April 7 and will be available our third match (vs Mumbai Indians on April 9)," a team source said.

The Daredevils are already hampered by injuries to English batsman Kevin Pietersen, who was ruled out for the entire season owing to a knee injury.

Also missing is this year's recruit Jesse Ryder after the big-hitting New Zealander was left injured following a brutal assault outside a Christchurch bar.