Switch-hit requires exceptional skill: Sangakkara

Deccan Chargers skipper Kumar Sangakkara says it requires "exceptional skill" to execute the switch-hit and he is certain that the much talked-about controversial shot will soon be up for discussion in the ICC meetings.

"I feel it requires exceptional skill to play and perfect that shot. It is not Kevin Petersen of England but many others too who play the switch-hit."

"Remember David Warner also played such shot against the Indians. It needs a lot of skill to play that but I am sure that it would come for discussion at the ICC meeting quite soon," Sangakkara said ahead of their Indian Premier League match against Rajasthan Royals.

Asked about the low-scoring but close matches in this edition of the IPL, the Sri Lankan said it was the fifth year of the tournament and the bowlers have learnt to defend low totals.

"It is the fifth year of IPL and bowlers have learnt to defend low scores. It is more about the wickets, which are low and slow. Perhaps when the wickets become flat the bowlers will have to come out with new strategies. These are interesting times for cricket and many new things are coming up," he said.

Talking about the back-to-back losses in their first two matches, Sangakkara said that his side was having the right balance to challenge other teams.

"It was unfortunate to lose both the matches as we too had our moments. Eighteen were needed in the last over but we could not defend. Perhaps we were 15 runs short."

"But we have the right balance and the ability to challenge the other teams. I am happy with the manner in which we fought in those matches."

When asked about the long break after their previous match on April 9, the Deccan Chargers captain said that the it works in two ways.

"We were up against two good teams and there was a long break which works in two ways. First it gives you the opportunity to watch other teams play and secondly it gives you time to work on your weaknesses.

"We have done both and I believe we have the right overseas and domestic players' balance to come back strongly."

Not reading much into Ajinkya Rahane's splendid ton against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sangakkara said that it not necessary to work out a special for the batsman.

"Yes he played a fine knock but it is hard to have strategies for any particular players. We have a common strategy for opponents that is we try to bowl in right areas and challenge the batsmen.:

"We had long gap but now onwards we have a big schedule and we would be in main IPL loop. We need the rhythm going. We don't have any fitness problems and the players are itching to have a go."