Dravid reflects on recent loss against Royal Challengers – Cricket News Update
The Rajasthan Royals’ skipper, Rahul Dravid, spoke about the different aspects of their recent defeat against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, in the 30th match of the Indian Premier League’s ongoing season, in Jaipur.
Batting first, the Challengers were able to put 189 on the board, thanks to powerful performances by Sri Lankan, Tillakaratne Dilshan (76) and South Africa’s AB de Villiers (59). Coming in to chase, the Rajasthan franchise could only collect 143 in the 20
overs, losing the match by 46 runs.
"When you are chasing a big total of 190 you have to play shots and you might fall 30-40 runs short. It becomes tough to chase the extra 35-40 runs which we gave away," commented Dravid, whose side gave away 9 extras alongside a lax fielding display. "The
fielding was poor. We did not drop too many catches but we certainly could have fielded better," he added.
Speaking about his side’s dependency on the top-order due of Ajinkya Rahane and Owais Shah, Dravid dismissed the notion, appreciating the overall batting exhibition put up by his side in the previous matches. "We have been batting quite decently in all our
eight matches and I don't feel we rely heavily on Rahane and Shah only," he said.
The Rajasthan Royals, who were being led by the Aussie legend, Shane Warne earlier, are now missing his services alongside his countryman, Shane Watson. Since Warne took his retirement and will not be playing again, it is the latter whom Dravid is keenly
waiting for. The skipper believes that his side’s attack will be complimented by Watson, who is expected to reach India by April 29, 2012 and is a probable for Rajasthan’s match against Delhi, on May 1.
The Royals, who won the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League, back in 2008, have had an average journey in this season. Having won four out of the eight matches they played, they currently stand fourth on the chart, below Delhi Daredevils, Kolkata
Knight Riders and Pune Warriors.
Rahul Dravid will next lead the side against Sehwag’s table-topping Delhi Daredevils, on April 29, before facing them again in the return fixture, on May 1.
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