Rajasthan Royals skipper Rahul Dravid credited his team’s pre-game planning for its successful four-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Pepsi IPL eliminator here on Thursday.
“I’m not gonna lie, it was a tough blow to the team; a bereavement in some ways. After our last league match in Hyderabad, we had a good break in Jaipur and didn’t arrive in Delhi until Wednesday night. Everyone underwent a range of emotions and we had an open conversation about the issue,” said the former India captain.
Dravid added that RR didn’t have the ideal combination for the match due to the loss of Ankeet Chavan and Ajit Chandila. Moreover, Pravin Tambe was injured and the team had to resort to fielding only quick bowlers.
Dravid claimed his team was “dead and buried” at 57-5 in 10 overs and needed something special to win the match here, which arrived in the form of Brad Hodge’s special knock.
When questioned on the possible reasons behind the franchise’s success in the tournament, Dravid said that the team benefits from a good environment inside the camp and clarity of roles among players.
Dravid also gave credit to coach Paddy Upton, Zubin Bharucha and Monty Desai, saying the franchise believes in maintaining a small support staff.
“We don’t believe in having any bowling or fielding coaches,” asserted the RR skipper.
White looks ahead
Dravid’s opposite number Cameron White too expressed his satisfaction with SH’s performance this season and believed his team is in a good position for next year.
The Australian termed Hodge’s match-winning knock as “world-class” while admitting his plan to attack the fellow Victorian with spin didn’t derive the desired result.
When questioned on the nature of wicket, White said he expected a flat wicket but it was drier along with a few cracks.
The Australian also refused to criticise the team’s batsmen, asserting they had done reasonably well on a tough Hyderabad pitch throughout the season.
