Bad batting, not pressure, hurt us: Dravid
Rahul Dravid refused suggestions that their batsmen crumbled under pressure in a must-win situation and simply said that they did not bat well enough against Deccan Chargers, here on Friday.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: May 19, 2012 12:32 AM IST
Rahul Dravid refused suggestions that their batsmen crumbled under pressure in a must-win situation and simply said that they did not bat well enough against Deccan Chargers, here on Friday.
Dravid-led Rajasthan Royals were knocked out of the IPL Play-offs race after losing the match by five wickets. "I don't think it was the pressure. We did not play good cricket, should have recognised it was a 150-wicket not more. Very disappointed in the dressing room, tough dressing room I have just left," Dravid said.
The former India skipper also defended his decision to bat as they posted a modest 126 for eight and went on to lose.
"I don't look at stats too much. We need to look at our own strengths. It was a bat-first wicket, we did not bat too well," he said, adding that they would try to "deliver in front of fans at home" when they play Mumbai Indians on Sunday.
Cameron White, who led Deccan Chargers in place of Kumar Sangakkara, was relived to finally score a win in front of home fans.
"I hope the jinx of losing here is gone for the next game and for the next season. It was a good team effort to win it. We felt we bowled well, the way the track played, we would have batted first too," he said.
White said they felt heat when they lost some quick wickets near the target.
"When you have won only two games in the tournament, there are always nerves," he said.
Deccan take on Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday in their final match and White said they are ken to do well.
"We need to come back well against Gayle and co. with some plans."
South African speedster and Deccan spearhead Dale Steyn was man-of-the-match. He took two wickets and conceded just 16 runs in his four overs.
"I enjoyed the season a lot, would have been better had we won more."
Asked how he prepres for every match, he said," I don't want to discuss too many of my plans. Teams respect me too much sometimes. My job is to run in, bowl fast and strike early, have been used in different situations, got to do job assigned to you."