IPL 2019 | The loss has come as reality check at right time, says Shreyas Iyer
Shreyas Iyer has stated that the huge 80-run loss for Delhi Capitals against Chennai Super Kings has come as a reality check at the right time. The Capitals had already qualified to the playoffs but a win in this game would have enabled them to stay within top two of the points table.
The Delhi Capitals had won the toss and put Chennai Super Kings to bat in Wednesday’s encounter and despite a fantastic start by the DC bowlers, CSK managed to set a target of 180. In reply, the Shreyas Iyer-led team could not even manage 100 runs with the skipper’s 44 and Shikhar Dhawan’s 19, the only double-digit scores. A win in the next game and a few other results going their way, DC could still make it into the top two. However, their net run rate has turned into negative due to the huge margin of loss, as Iyer pointed out.
“It is really going to affect us, specially the run rate. The way we chased, it wasn't expected from the batsmen but it is a good reality check for us. Good that it happened at this stage and everybody would be on their toes in the next game. We won't blame the abilities of our team but definitely we didn't play smart cricket,” he said at the post-match presentation ceremony, reported Cricbuzz.
The duo of Jagdeesha Sucith and Trent Boult had only allowed CSK to score a mere seven runs for a loss of one wicket, at the end of the first four overs. Suresh Raina's fifty, Ravindra Jadeja’s cameo of 25 runs, and MS Dhoni’s quickfire 44 eventually lifted CSK to 179. DC, on the other hand, had scored 59 for two in the powerplay but the spinners, who shared eight wickets amongst them, had decimated the batsmen. The skipper did not blame anyone but hoped that the side comes back stronger.
“It was an amazing start by the bowlers in the powerplay and should have curtailed them to under 170. Even with the way we started with the bat as well, we have had great starts which we couldn't convert into big ones. There are small things we have to look into and come back strong in the next game. I wouldn't blame myself nor the team,” said the 24-year-old.
Iyer has never been stumped before in the Indian Premier League but Dhoni made it possible, thanks to his lightning-quick glove work. He was taken aback with his dismissal in the 12th over bowled by Jadeja.
“The way he (Dhoni) stumped me, it was lightning speed, I couldn't control and with the way the ball spun, it was difficult to get back. I was really looking good and thought I would be taking on the next few overs. It was an unfortunate wicket of mine. I never thought about that before,” explained the right-hander.
South African Kagiso Rabada has been the highest wicket-taker of the tournament so far but was unavailable for this game. The skipper did not shy away from the fact that his services were sorely missed.
“We know what ability he (Rabada) has, especially in the death overs. For sure we were missing him in this game. He had a stiff back and it is good that he took rest,” Iyer said.
As pointed out by Iyer, the Capitals are still eyeing a top-two finish but for that to happen, they cannot afford a loss in their next encounter against Rajasthan Royals in Saturday’s first game.
“We are keeping that hope in our mind and definitely want to be in the top two. That will put us in a good situation. Looking forward to finish in the second position. RR game, at home, wouldn't want to disappoint the fans,” he signed off.
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