Published: Apr 15, 2013, 11:28 AM (IST)
Edited: Apr 15, 2013, 11:28 AM (IST)
Rahul Dravid (above) did not read much into failure of Stuart Binny and Brad Hodge while batting up the order © PTI
Jaipur: Apr 15, 2013
Rajasthan Royals skipper Rahul Dravid is extremely pleased with the team effort in their six-wicket win over Kings XI Punjab at Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Sunday night.
Chasing a modest 125 on a difficult wicket, Rajasthan won by six wickets.
“It was [Shanthakumaran] Sreesanth who got us early wickets and [Ajit] Chandila too did a fairly good job opening the attack. Our rest of the bowling and the fielding was also good and we could restrict them to 124,” Dravid said at the post match press conference.
“Chasing 125 was not going to be easy on this surface because it was offering movement. [Shane] Watson played beautifully to add quick runs and release some pressure. But we got stuck in the middle with fall of couple of wickets but Ajinkya Rahane stood there till the end to steer us home.”
“Sanju Samson also batted beautifully and has shown a lot of promise. All in all it was a fine team effort,” said Dravid while acknowledging efforts made by his teammates.
Asked if the wicket was ideal for T20 cricket, the skipper it was important to have different tracks.
“All wickets should not be of 170-180 runs. 140-150 run wickets can also have exciting games. We are happy with the wicket and don’t interfere with the job of curator. We need to learn to bat better on such wickets,” he said.
The skipper did not read much into failure of Stuart Binny and Brad Hodge while batting up the order.
“Binny has done quite reasonably in couple of matches and this failure is one of the things to forget. As far as the matter of Hodge batting up the order is concerned I feel he has been very good in accelerating at the end overs. If need arises he can be promoted up the order. The good is thing is that we now have enough cover and options for all positions and can shuffle in accord with demands of situations.”
Rahul Dravid conceded that they have a tough opponent in Mumbai Indians in the next match at Jaipur on Wednesday.
“They are a good side and have spent a lot of money in their buying spree getting some big names. They have a good reserves bench. We would be underdogs and we are happy to be like that only. But I can assure that my team will put up good fight,” concluded Dravid.
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