IPL 6: Delhi hopeful of Sehwag comeback, Morkel still out

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.

Down with back spasms, 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 the 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 over the last few days. We did not want him to fly to Kolkata as it would have worsened his back issues.

"We wanted to give him a few more days to stay in Delhi, practice and hopefully he will be fit 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.

Morkel will be playing for the Titans in South Africa's Ram Slam T20 Challenge final, to 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 new recruit Jesse Ryder after the big-hitting kiwi was left injured following a brutal assault outside a Christchurch bar.