IPL 2018: I Felt Our Intensity Was a Little Bit Down – Ajinkya Rahane
Apr 20, 2018 at 11:54 AM
Rajasthan Royals‘ skipper Ajinkya Rahane produced the only positive sight on behalf of the men in blue when he hit Sunil Narine for four consecutive fours.
Ace Windies spinner Narine though had the last laugh as he scored 35 runs off 25 balls and helped his side win a crucial encounter.
Rahane stepped up the gas and played his shots. He hit a total of five fours and a lone six to get to 36 off 19 balls. His opening partner D’arcy Short finally came good with the bat.
The opener Short missed out on his maiden IPL fifty by six runs but played a calculated knock.
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Rahane takes the blame on himself:
Rahane felt they were 20 odd runs short. He also said that the wicket was on the slower side unlike their first game at home.
Being one of the most experienced campaigners in the Royals’ side, Rahane rued the lost opportunity to take his side to a comfortable position.
Dejected Rahan backs his boys”
The skipper also added that he felt the intensity was a tad low tonight but he backs his boys to come good in the coming games.
“I thought we were 15-20 short. Game 1 there was a pretty good bounce. This wicket was on the slower side, it was keeping a bit low. But no complaints. I was batting well, and it was my responsibility to carry on from there. As I said, 15-20 runs short. I felt our intensity was a little bit down today. I just wanted to back my players [when asked about retaining the same XI].” Rahane said.
The visitors never looked in trouble as they walked past the target of 161 in style against Ajinkya Rahane-led Royals.
Robin Uthappa played a match-winning knock of 48 off 36 balls. he was very close to scoring a fifty, but Ben Stokes took a spectacular catch at the ropes – to end his innings.
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