Kochi Tuskers Kerala captain Mahela Jayawardene says teams will take them seriously now – IPL news
Enormously delighted over his team’s first victory in the Indian Premier League, the Kochi Tuskers Kerala skipper Mahela Jayawardene expressed that the rival teams will take them as serious opponent now.
The http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Kerala-c803 side thrashed Mumbai Indians comprehensively by 8 wickets in their own backyard, the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
After facing two consecutive defeats in their opening matches, the IPL debutant Kochi team roared back in the competition with an upset triumph against the tournament-favourite Mumbai Indians.
Chasing Mumbai’s total of 182, the Kochi openers played phenomenally. Brendon McCullum and the captain Jayawardene put together 128 runs for the first wicket, which eventually helped the side to notch their maiden victory.
Jayawardene cited it as huge relief to open their account in the competition.
“It was a good win. We were pretty close in the last two games. It is good to finish the game off and it is a big win against Mumbai Indians,” Jayawardene said.
The captain further explained that his team worked extremely hard to achieve this victory. He said they had an extra session at the nets and despite losing the first two games, the players showed a lot of character against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mumbai-c820 Indians.
“The character that the guys have shown is brilliant. We have to keep fighting till the last. I think the rival teams will take us a little more seriously now following this victory. It gives us confidence as well,” the Sri Lankan batsman added.
Responding to the question about his team’s strategy against the Sachin Tendulkar-led outfit, the captain commented that it was important to see off Lasith Malinga, who has been in superb form in the ongoing tournament. He was happy that they were able to
counter him with ease.
Meanwhile, the classy Lankan batsman elucidated that they play with an extra batsman, which allows them to take risks in batting.
When Jayawardene was asked about the bright colour of their jersey, the skipper said that the team selected bright orange colour as it stands out from the rest.
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