'Daredevils will put in more than 100 percent'

Delhi Daredevils is all set to scorch the field, if captain Virender Sehwag is to be believed. Riding high on the World Cup triumph, Sehwag, on Wednesday, said that he would like to lift the IPL trophy as well.

The dashing Delhi batsman, who confessed that he would like high-tempo music to be played during his time at the crease, said this time his team would give more than a hundred percent to emerge winners.

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"In the first two editions of the IPL we managed to reach the semi-finals, but in its third edition we did not qualify even for that. I would like to change that.

"I am promising Delhi fans that this time around, the team will put in more than a hundred percent  and get rid of its tag as not being good finishers. We want to lift the Cup this time," Sehwag said, in response to a question from rediff.com.

Sehwag and six other Daredevil players, including Irfan Pathan, were at a function organized by the team's radio partner, Fever 104 FM.

Talking about the World Cup victory, Sehwag said the celebrations are still going on.

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"It is indescribable. If I ask you how you feel, perhaps even you would not be able to put the feeling into words. The celebrations are continuing and it will continue even after the IPL concludes.

"As is the popular sentiment these days, Indian fans now have a new video to keep looking at. They can keep reliving the champion moments of 1983 and 2011," Sehwag said.

Asked if he has any memories of the 1983 World Cup triumph, Sehwag replied that he was only four then.

"This time around I am 32, and a father of two!" the swashbuckling opener declared.

Asked what his sentiments were, considering his son was there too during the celebrations, Sehwag said, "I have some videos and photos of the moment.

"I will keep showing my son these to keep his memories alive. Those are some very special moments."

When rediff.com asked if it will be tough to adjust considering the fact Delhi Daredevils is an entirely different team this year, South Africa fast bowler Albie Morkel said, "It is a privilege to be a part of the Daredevils  team. With Sehwag's captainship we will make the combinations work."

Sehwag echoed his sentiments, saying adjusting would not be an issue.

The 'Nawab of Najafgarh' also brushed aside fears that India's cricketing calendar is very hectic this year.

"All I know at the moment is that we have an IPL to play. I love the series and I don't think it is hectic at all. It is a great exposure opportunity for the youngsters. They get to play in front of a packed stadium and will know what pressure is.

"After the IPL, India has some international tours lined up, but we are looking forward to them. What is more, the BCCI has told senior players that they can take a break if they need to during any of the tours," Sehwag said.

Preity Zinta, co-owner of Kings XI Punjab, lost Irfan Pathan to the Delhi Daredevils at a surprising Rs. 8.74 crore this time around. Post the conference, Khan told rediff.com that he was moved by the confidence the GMR group showed in him.

"I did not play the World Cup and have been absent from the cricket scene for quite some time. In spite of all that, GMR showed confidence in picking me.

"They paid a large amount of money, but, then, money is not everything; it is about the confidence they had in me. I am sure I will not let them down," Khan said.

Talking about his preparation, Pathan said, "My form is good and I have been practicing really hard.

"Frankly, it is a good time and also high time that I came back to cricket. This is a good platform for a strong comeback. I will perform so well this time that the team selectors will take notice."

Asked which World Cup moment of his brother Yusuf  he will cherish, Pathan said, "To be a part of the winning World Cup squad itself is a matter of great pride for the Pathan family. He had some good moments, but the one I will cherish is the way he carried the Sachin Tendulkar on his shoulders post the victory. I will treasure that particular video footage forever."