IPL 2017: Suresh Raina blames ‘loose deliveries’ by Gujarat Lions (GL) for defeat against Delhi Daredevils (DD)

Once again, Gujarat Lions suffered a defeat in the hands of Delhi Daredevils despite posting 195 for 5 in their 20 overs.

Suresh Raina has been in brilliant touch in IPL 2017 © AFP

It is tough being a captain in a T20 game and Suresh Raina has faced the heat often in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017. The contest between Gujarat Lions (GL) and Delhi Daredevils (DD) in match 50 of this edition had little relevance, as both sides stand with no chance of qualification to the playoffs. However, this game being played at Raina’s home ground in Kanpur’s Green Park, the southpaw would have expected a win. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Gujarat Lions (GL) vs Delhi Daredevils (DD), IPL 2017, Match 50

Once again, GL suffered a defeat in the hands of DD despite posting 195 for 5 in 20 overs. Aaron Finch’s 39-ball 69 helped GL to the fighting total. After the 2-wicket defeat, Raina was at loss of words in the presentation ceremony and credited Shreyas Iyer for his match-winning 57-ball 96 that determined the fate of the contest.

“I think we tried everything, but unfortunately we ended up on the losing side. Shreyas Iyer batted really well,” said Raina after the defeat.

In the earlier game against DD last week, GL had posted 208 and their bowlers suffered an onslaught in the hands of Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson. Despite getting the two out for cheap, DD could not hold the Iyer storm. Raina was critical on his bowlers, as they leaked runs despite claiming wickets at regular intervals. FULL CRICKET BLOG: Gujarat Lions (GL) vs Delhi Daredevils (DD), IPL 2017, Match 50

“After getting so many wickets up front, we did not capitalise and ended up giving so many boundaries. We tried our best. We have been losing close games, that is so disappointing. Also, the wicket was playing well later on. We gave them so many loose balls, after getting wickets. Probably, that cost us the game,” Raina concluded.

Raina has not made it to India’s Champions Trophy 2017 squad but has been among runs. Raina has scored 440 runs at 44 and at a strike rate of 145.69 from 13 games, but GL could not capitalise on their skipper’s good form.