Shane Warne, victorious captain of Rajasthan Royals, felt the dismissals of the Deccan Chargers captain Kumar Sangakkara and J-P Duminy were key to his team's success on Saturday.
Speaking to the media after the match, Warne said it was part of a strategy to promote Johan Botha at the top of the batting order and he was happy that he clicked.
“Looking at the fact that this is the IPL opener for us, it was a pretty satisfying performance,” Warne said. “We were really working hard and this team is a wonderful blend of youth and experience. The youngsters are excited and nervous, no doubt,” the Rajasthan Royals captain remarked.
Questioned whether he was aware of Deccan Chargers' jinx of not having won any home game in the IPL so far, Warne said he had spoken to former Chargers captain Adam Gilchrist.
“He reminded about me hitting the ball all over in the final over against them in the IPL-I here and that the team had never really recovered from those blows on home ground,” Warne said with a big smile.
“The pitch was fantastic and the conditions excellent for the game. The wicket was good but there was no turn at all,” Warne said.
“Personally I am enjoying my game and I definitely am very fit, though I started bowling only just before this IPL after a gap of almost one year. I am an old man,” Warne quipped.
Chargers captain Kumar Sangakkara said it was a disappointing loss. “We were definitely short by at least 20 runs. The openers gave us a good start. At least one of the batsman should have stayed at the crease for a much better total,” he said.
“But, full credit to my bowlers who kept us in the game despite not picking up wickets,” Sangakkara said. “It is still a long season ahead. We have to work on some grey areas of concern and we should come back very strongly in the next few games.”
“Warne always bowls well though he was not at his best today,” were his compliments to his counterpart.
