While speaking to the media at the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium, Lehmann lauded the team’s commitment and work ethic. He also hopes that the fielding lapses against the Rajasthan Royals were merely due to an off day at office, and that it wouldn’t happen again.
Excerpts from Lehmann’s pre-match press conference:
On DC’s bowling being a concern
Yes, at this point we were close in two games. We should have won the one against Mumbai [Indians] in Vizag when they needed about 25 runs in the last couple of overs and then again last night [against the Rajasthan Royals] we were close there [to winning]. The [bowling in the] last two three overs cost us two wins. But the boys are training hard [...] probably [not being able to] execute [the plan in] the last few deliveries probably cost us [the matches].
On their bowling against RR
Someone is going to be the winner and someone is going to be the loser. [...] it is hard as a bowler, we know that and it’s hard for batsmen as well. It is just the nature of Twenty20 cricket. What we have seen is close games and a pretty entertaining IPL so far.
On the break before their game against RR
We had a break between our second and third game and we have worked hard in between, so that [the loss against RR] was disappointing. We didn’t field well enough and we know that as a team. The guys worked hard last week and it was just one of those things, hopefully. Hopefully, it doesn’t happen again.
On the team’s schedule
We are fine with the schedule. [...] the players are professional enough to get ready for each and every game. We have to rotate probably a bit more than the other sides, because we have 10 games in about 22-23 days. But it gives enough opportunities to do well, so we are not too worried about the schedule. It is part and parcel of the IPL.
On Delhi Daredevils’ strong batting line-up that includes players like Virender Shwag, Kevin Pietersen and Mahela Jayawardene
They are good players. They are world-class players. Twenty20 is one of those [formats] where anything can happen on any given day as we saw [in the Delhi Daredevils vs Mumbai Indians match]. Mumbai [Indians] was bowled out for not many [runs] the other day. We should take our chances early and bowl well. [...] we will [have to] bowl a lot better than we have in the last couple of games.
On motivating the players after losing all the three games they have played so far
We should have been two wins and one loss really, and that’s the way we look at it. We just didn’t close those two games. Even though we haven’t registered a win, I am happy the way we are playing [...] so that’s a good thing. We have probably [one of the] younger squads in the IPL, which is good as well. I have been pretty impressed with the way they have worked and all you can ask for is good work ethic and we are doing that, and hopefully, the results turnaround for us soon.
On Kevin Pietersen’s transfer to DD
Losing KP was a decision that franchises make between each other. We would love to have him. We haven’t got him, so you can’t worry about it, can you? You can’t do anything about that. [...].
No comments:
Post a Comment