Viru will return in the next match: Gambhir

Delhi Daredevils is undoubtedly the most formidable outfit in this year's IPL and stand-in captain Gautam Gambhir said the team would be further bolstered by the return of regular skipper Virender Sehwag in their next match against Deccan Chargers on Wednesday.

Gambhir said his opening partner Sehwag has fully recovered from his finger injury and would be fit to play in the next match.

"He (Sehwag) will play in the next game. He was 80 per cent fit for this game (against Kolkata Knight Riders yesterday) as well. But we never wanted to risk him. We still have five games and possibly the semi-final and final. So we thought it's better once he is fully fit, once he is ready to go we should get him back rather than hurrying him into the side," Gambhir said.

Sehwag's injury has given explosive David Warner an ideal opportunity to prove his worth and the Australian grabbed it with both hands, making substantial contribution at the top and Gambhir feels it came as a blessing in disguise for the Delhi outfit.

"I don't think if Viru was fit, David Warner would have fit into the XI. I think this is what the depth of this batting line-up is. We have got some very good strokeplayers in the side. I don't think it's a headache, it's a plus thing for us, it's a bonus for our side," he said.

"It's an advantage for us.. having Virender Sehwag, David Warner and Dilshan. All the three are big strokeplayers," Gambhir was quoted as saying by the IPL's official website.

"Imagine the kind of batting line-up we will have when Viru gets back. If you are winning without Viru, it gives a lot of confidence to the team. It's always important to have good bench strength. People, who have got their opportunities, have taken it with both hands. It's always a good thing that you are winning without your main player," he added.

Gambhir said the strength of the Delhi team can be ascertained from the fact that top international players like Glenn McGrath and Daniel Vettori have to sit out of the playing eleven.

"It's all about combination, what combination you want to go in with. It's all about winning rather than.. Obviously it's very good that you have some great players sitting on the bench. "But at the same time you want to end up winning the game, rather than thinking of some great players sitting on the bench. All that matters is winning and what is the best combination at the end of the day," he said.