IPL 2017: Not thinking about past defeats, says Delhi Daredevils (DD) batsman Karun Nair
IPL 2017: Not thinking about past defeats, says Karun Nair
Clinical Delhi Daredevils (DD) defeated Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) by 7 wickets at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi. Karun Nair was adjudged Man of the Match for his 45-ball 64, including 9 boundaries. Riding on his innings, DD posted a challenging total of 169 on the board. RPS, in their chase, saw their batting collapse against a disciplined DD bowling attack. From RPS, Manoj Tiwary tried taking his team over the victory line with his 45-ball 60. Apart from Tiwary, RSP captain Steven Smith and Ben Stokes were the only batsmen to score runs in double digits. Zaheer Khan and Mohammed Shami played important roles in restricting RPS by taking two wickets each. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Delhi Daredevils (DD) vs Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS), IPL 10, Match 52
Nair, speaking in the post-match presentation ceremony emphasised on the importance of team work and how DD are still playing to the best of their ability despite having lost the chance to qualify for the playoffs. Opting to bat first, DD started off on a disastrous note as they lost the wickets of Sanju Samson (1) and Ajinkya Tare (3) in quick succession putting them in a tight spot at 9 for 2.
However, Nair constructed a much needed 72-run stand with Rishabh Pant (36) to put their team in the driving position.
“After we lost the first 2 wickets, I just had to play the 20 overs. I played normal cricketing shots. The wicket was stopping a bit when they hit it hard, but otherwise was a good wicket,” he said.
Players such as Samson, Iyer, Nair and Pant are regarded as the next generation of Indian cricket and hence a lot of expectations are riding on these four, they could not contribute for the team in the initial stage of IPL 2017 which impacted the result. However, DD seem to have found the right combination towards the fag end of the tournament and have caused upsets to team who are running for the chance to qualify for the top four spot.
“In most games, we have been able to contribute, the four of us (youngsters). Can’t be thinking about that, thinking about finishing the tournament well now,” Karun said.
RPS, having lost this game, are yet to confirm their place in the top four position. Had they won this game, RPS would have sealed their position in the penultimate stage of IPL 2017. But having lost this game, they will have to win their next game against Kings XI Punjab on May 14, only if SRH lose their last match.