"We expected Ross (Taylor) to be here as we knew that Mahela (Jayawardene) and (Kevin) Pietersen would not be available (at the start of the season). But he was hit by one of the teammates (Morne Morkel). That's the nature of the IPL. You have to chart our ways through. It's disappointing though," Simons said.
"The IPL is not a sprint. It's like a marathon in some respects. You have to peak at the right time. I hope that's going to happen," Simons told reporters on the eve of their IPL V opener against Kolkata Knight Riders here.
Compared to Delhi's smart looking pace attack, the spin department may look a bit inexperienced but Simons felt that they have it in them to surprise a team on any given day.
"The only thing we lack is a big name, someone with reputation. We have really worked hard with the players we got. We have got some exciting guys.
"We have got (left arm spinner) Roelf van der Merwe obviously with some international experience. He is key for us. We have got Nadeem and (Pawan) Negi.
"There are few ideas and thoughts which we would like to use in our spin department to surprise the teams. I think we have a capable bunch of spinners," he added.
The Knight Riders have been one of the under-achievers of the tournament but Simons said Gautam Gambhir's men appear stronger this time around.
