Iyer comments on being stumped by MS Dhoni: Delhi Capitals captain was vocal about his dismissal against Chennai Super Kings.
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Delhi Capitals captain Shreyas Iyer admitted that an 80-run loss on the hands of Chennai Super Kings will affect their Net Run Rate. On the verge of the knockout stage in the tournament, Capitals have dropped down to No. 2 in the points table.
“It is really going to effect 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,” Iyer was quoted as saying.
“We were missing Rabada”
After he won the toss, Iyer put the hosts in to bat. With Super Kings reeling at 7/1 after four overs to recovering a bit to score 27/1 in the powerplay, the home team was found wanting in the first few overs. In the second innings, Capitals’ batsmen scoring 59/2 in the powerplay called for signs in the affirmative for the visitors.
Having said that, them being eventually bundled out for 99 in the 17th over called for a shambolic performance from the table-toppers before this match. Reflecting on the starts which his team got in both the innings, Iyer said, “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.”
Having rested their premier fast bowler in Kagiso Rabada tonight, Capitals also missed a stellar death over specialist. “We know what ability he [Rabada] has, especially in the death over. For sure we were missing him in this game. He had a stiff back and it is good that he took rest,” Iyer admitted to missing Rabada last night.
Iyer comments on being stumped by MS Dhoni
Coming in to bat at No. 3 in the first over itself, Iyer top-scored for his team scoring 44 (31) with the help of four fours and a six. The right-hand batsman had become the second victim of Dhoni’s lightening-fast glove work. Being vocal on his dismissal, Iyer didn’t shy away from saying that it was an unfortunate dismissal.
“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 [stumped for the first time in IPL],” Iyer added.
While Delhi have qualified for the playoffs, they would still be looking to finish in the top two in a bid to get a second chance in the playoff matches. “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,” Iyer concluded.
