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Untitled Document
 A string of early losses put paid to our hopes: Dravid
25th May 2008 23:00 IST
Agencies
After winning the battle of wooden spoon with a five-wicket victory over Deccan Chargers today, Bangalore Royal Challengers captain Rahul Dravid said a captain was as good as his side and the team management will have to ponder how to make an impact in the next edition.
"A string of early losses put paid to our hopes. But these are part and parcel of cricket. If you don't reach the semifinals then you naturally will have to improve. All those involved will have to think over what to do next (in next edition)," Dravid said at the post match press conference in Hyderabad.
"Everybody will learn. The players will learn, the team management will learn. After the tournament is over we will have to sit and there will be plenty of things to analyse what went wrong," he added.
Dravid was a satisfied man to win today and avoid finishing last with his team garnering eight points as against four by the Chargers with one match remaining by both the teams.
"It is a relief, at least we will not finish the tournament at the bottom. The early losses hurt us. But it is satisfying today, we played as a team inspite of some injuries," he said.
Asked about the experience of leading an IPL side, the former India skipper said a captain was as good as his team.
"Your contribution as a captain is important, no doubt but it's the whole team which has to play well. If there is a good team and all the members play well, then it is easy (to captain)," he said.
Dravid said opening the bowling attack with Anil Kumble was a team strategy which was in their minds for a while.
"It was a sort of strategy. We wanted them (Deccan Chargers) to give a surprise. In the last match (against Chennai Super Kings), there was some pace on the wicket and that stopped me to open with Kumble. The ploy worked and Kumble did well today."
Dravid was all praise for the crowd in the IPL venues and said they "inspires" the cricketers to do their best.
"It is tough travelling different venues in the IPL. But it is fun playing in front of big crowds. It inspires you and even forgets your tiredness," he said in a lighter vein.
Losing captain Adam Gilchrist conceded his side lacked the skills and will have to work hard to make an impact next season.
"There is a skill deficiency, that is why we are not being consistent. We now know the level that is expected in this tournament. Next year, we have to work hard and learn the skills to make an impact," said the retired Aussie great. |
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