In a spot of bother after losing their first two matches, 2009 champions Deccan Chargers would be desperate to return to winning ways and coach Darren Lehman said the team would put its best foot forward against Royal Challengers Bangalore in their next IPL fixture.
Published: Apr 14, 2011, 01:03 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 14, 2011, 01:03 PM (IST)
Darren Lehmann, the coach of Deccan Chargers during a press meet.
Hyderabad: Apr 14, 2011
In a spot of bother after losing their first two matches, 2009 champions Deccan Chargers would be desperate to return to winning ways and coach Darren Lehman said the team would put its best foot forward against Royal Challengers Bangalore in their next IPL fixture.
Deccan is yet to open their account in the points table, losing to Rajasthan Royals by eight wickets in their tournament opener and then slumped to a nine-run defeat at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders.
“It’s ok. We are working very hard. We are working on our game plans and there is definite improvement,” Lehman said after a practice session at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket stadium. “The mood is upbeat. It is a game of cricket at the end of the day and we are going to enjoy the way we play. We are going to play good brand of cricket. We are certainly going to play better come tomorrow,” he insisted.
Lehman also said that he would like to see Deccan’s top order clicking tomorrow. “We have our partnership rules and if we hit them we will make big score. That is what we are working towards,” the former Australian cricketer said. Interestingly, Deccan lost all their home games they have played in IPL so far at the Rajiv Gandhi stadium here.
Asked if there was a jinx associated with the stadium, Lehmann said, “You lose games and it has nothing to do with jinx. We hope to play well and success will come our way.” He also confirmed Deccan will be bolstered by the return of Australian Cameroon White, who is also the team’s vice-captain.
Asked Lehman about Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) decision to recall its IPL players by May 5 to prepare for their series against England, he said the team would like to have its skipper Kumar Sangakkara as long as possible.
Meanwhile, lacklustre Deccan speedster Ishant Sharma refuted suggestions that he was under pressure in the opening two games of the tournament. “I feel there is pressure in every match, whether it is first match or third match. There is pressure on all the players but the effort of every player is to give his best. The most important thing is to enjoy and do good,” Ishant said.
“Cricket is a team game. I don’t think anybody will be satisfied with his own performance. For me it is more important that the team wins. I am looking to bowl in good areas,” he added.
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