Daredevils missing KP, Ryder in IPL 6: Simons

The absence of Kevin Pietersen and Jesse Ryder coupled with injuries to some key players at the start of the season were some of the reasons for Delhi Daredevils disastrous campaign in the ongoing Pepsi Indian Premier League, said coach Eric Simons.

The Daredevils, who made the play-offs last season, are languishing at the second last position in the nine-team competition having lost 11 out of their 14 games this year.

"We were in the rough losing the first three games but our players very honestly kept trying. But at the end of the day, being professionals you need to do the right things at the right time," Simons said after Daredevils slumped to its 11th defeat in IPL 6 after losing by 33 runs to table toppers Chennai Super Kings here last night.

"I think we missed KP (Kevin Pietersen) and Ryder and this was one of the main reasons (for poor show). Even in our first three games a lot of our players were coming from injuries. At that time even Umesh (Yadav) was injured and Mahela (Jayawardene) had a broken finger.

"You need to take into account these things. It is a tough situation but such things are part of the challenge," he said.

The coach feels it the batting department which has let the team down this year.