Delhi Daredevils began their Indian campaign with a loss at home against the Rajasthan Royals.
Delhi Daredevils captain Kevin Pietersen admitted that 152 wasn't a good enough total to restrict a side like Rajasthan Royals but wanted his players to keep their chin-up and carry on fighting for the rest of the Indian Premier League 7. Delhi lost to Rajasthan by seven wickets on May 3 . (Highlights | Scorecard | Points Table | Schedule )
"I thought in the 10th over when myself and Quinton de Kock got out, that undid us," Pietersen said. "It was poor for both of us to get out and we didn't have enough runs on the board. I want the boys to keep their heads up, they've done all they can and that's all one can ask for," the Delhi captain said.
Pietersen reckoned that the track got slower with passage of time. "The pitch got slower, but we just didn't have a score on. We're talking the right language and the boys are training hard and that's all anyone can ask for."
Even Pietersen's opposite number Shane Watson was very happy to have restricted the Daredevils around the 150-run mark.
"It's a nice win. We were able to restrict such a high quality batting order to around 150. We controlled it well in the middle with Pravin Tambe and Rajat Bhatia bowling well. We've got quite a lot of bowlers to mix and match and the way Karun Nair steered the ship home, it's quite exciting," Watson said.
Watson credited the team management for scouting fantastic talent from across the country. "Management does a brilliant job spotting the talent and we like to encourage these guys to play with freedom."
Watson did not hide his disappointment of not being able to play Jaipur. "Very disappointing not to play in Jaipur. I love it there and we've had a lot of success there. Feels like a second home for me but I'm sure Ahmedabad will be good for us and hopefully we can make that into a fortress as well."
Karun thanked his captain for showing faith in his talent. "In the UAE, I wasn't giving myself enough time. There are quite big legends in the dressing room and I would like to thank Watson and the support staff for their confidence in me."
Story first published on: Sunday, 04 May 2014 10:46
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