Rajasthan Royals (RR) Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara was highly disappointed after his team’s comprehensive 33-run defeat at the hands of Delhi Capitals (DC) in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (September 25).
Opting to bowl first, RR restricted DC to a modest 154/6 in 20 overs but could score only 121/6 in reply after being reduced to 48/4 in 10.2 overs.
"154 was a great total to limit Delhi Capitals to, (what) we needed to do was not be careless in the first 10 overs. Unfortunately Delhi came hard at us, they bowled smartly and we weren't up to it," Sangakkara said at the post-match press conference.
"So, I wouldn't worry too much about the lower middle-order, they got us out of lot of trouble in the first half of the IPL and I am sure, they will come good, as we go along."
Captain Sanju Samson was the lone warrior with the bat, scoring 70 not out off 53 balls, including 8 fours and 1 six. No other RR batter managed to touch the 20-run mark.
"Chasing 154, should have been done with the batting that we had, especially starting from the top-order and downwards, and we weren't good enough on the day," Sangakkara said.
He also rued the injuries to Evin Lewis and Chris Morris, which prompted the Royals to alter the team combination.
"It is unfortunate that we had a couple of injury concerns that meant that (Evin) Lewis and (Chris) Morris didn't play, but that is just temporary and we have the options," said the Sri Lankan batting legend.
"It is not just about making changes, it is about whoever does play, to kind of stick to the game plan and understand what is happening and access conditions."
Asked if Samson should have played attacking cricket from the start, Sangakkara said, "Well, it was a tough one for the skipper, he was batting so well. All we needed was someone to stay with him and unfortunately losing wickets so regularly, didn't allow Sanju to cut free early on."
Sangakkara also praised the Delhi bowlers for not allowing him to free his arms.
"The Delhi boys also bowled quite well and smartly, managed to bowl away from the areas that are Sanju's strengths."
Rajasthan Royals will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Dubai on Monday (September 27).
(With PTI inputs)
