IPL 2019: We Let Ourselves Down in the Field – Ravichandran Ashwin After Loss Against Bangalore
Apr 14, 2019 at 12:53 AM
Kings XI Punjab’s (KXIP) winning streak at PCA IS Bindra Stadium finally came to an end after Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) scripted their first win in this edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) beating the host by eight wickets. Following their first loss in eight games at home, Ravichandran Ashwin admitted that they were sloppy on the cricket field and they have let themselves down.
Chris Gayle single-handedly powered Kings XI Punjab to 173 runs. He was patient early on before picking the pace as the game progressed. He remained unbeaten on 99 runs including ten boundaries and five sixes. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore got a steady start before AB de Villiers, and Virat Kohli took their team on the verge of winning lines before Marcus Stoinis finished the game in style. Kings XI Punjab bounced back for a brief period but failed to keep the game on their side. With six needed off the last over, Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin handed the ball to Sarfaraz Khan who bowled his first over in his IPL career. Defending his decision, Ashwin said it was the best decision considering the ball was sliding nicely.
“(Why Sarfraz was chosen to bowl the final over) There was only 6 runs to go and the ball was sliding on nicely. I thought the best way against AB and Stoinis was to try and go with a leggie, not that Sam (Curran) can’t defend,” Ashwin said at the post-match press conference.
Fielding was not upto the mark: Ashwin
Furthermore, Ravichandran Ashwin said that they were sloppy on the field and dropped many catches which turned out to be detrimental for the Kings XI Punjab. He also added that the wicket was dry early on, but it became easy with the dew settling in. The veteran off-spinner also added that his bowlers didn’t stand up to the task which resulted in the loss.
“We let ourselves down in the field. We drooped catches and let a lot of balls go through us. The dew helped the wicket on. It was really dry in the first half. It gets better to bat in the second half. With 38 needed off 3 overs, I had to back my best bowlers to do the job, didn’t quite work out today,” he added.
Ravichandran Ashwin also hailed the Mohali crowd for turning out in huge numbers and support with all might. In conclusion, Ashwin said they need to win few games and get the momentum back on their side.
“It’s (crowd) the best I have seen in Mohali. Hope they come out in large numbers. We play one here and go off to Delhi. We need to string some wins. It’s not a bad time to get some momentum back,” Ashwin signed off.