Batting not up to scratch, says chief mentor Dravid
Delhi Daredevils chief mentor Rahul Dravid was at a loss for words after the shocking display by his side against Kings XI Punjab on Sunday. Delhi Daredevils were bundled out for 67 and Kings XI Punjab managed to chase the target in 7.5 overs to post a 10-wicket win. “Really disappointing, you don’t have much to say when you get out for 67 and the other side chases the target for no loss in 6 to 7 overs. We were pretty disappointing on the day and our execution was poor and our batting was not up to scratch,” Dravid said. Dravid hoped his team learns a lesson from this loss and puts on a better display in the remaining six matches. Daredevils didn’t leave the ground immediately and were in a huddle in the middle for a long time.
“I think we can only go up from here. But we have been better than what we showed today. Even in this tournament, there have been periods where we have shown glimpses of good cricket. We have lost some close games. But, then, in the last two games we haven’t played well,” he said.
In Kolkata, Delhi Daredevils were on course for a 180-plus score, only to fizzle out in the last five overs and post a sub-par 160 on the board. Dravid admitted that his team failed to read the conditions on Sunday and didn’t give themselves a chance.
“Here we were really poor and we didn’t assess the condition and bat intelligently. We didn’t give ourselves a chance,” he said. Dravid hoped the young batting line-up puts up a better display in the coming matches.
“They are young but they have been playing IPL for a while. Most of them have shown glimpses of some good performances in this tournament and in the past as well.
“So, really, it’s going to be up to them to lift themselves up and go and play good cricket. I think the key will be not to think too far ahead and focus on the next game. We owe it to our fans and franchise,” a dejected Dravid said.
Really disappointing, you don’t have much to say when you get out for 67 and the other side chases the target for no loss in 6 to 7 overs RAHUL DRAVID, After the defeat