Dravid aiming to get back winning momentum – Cricket News Update
Rajasthan Royals’ skipper, Rahul Dravid, is hopeful that his side can get back to winning ways despite their recent slump in form, which has seen them register four consecutive losses.
Speaking following a second consecutive defeat at the hands of Delhi Daredevils, Dravid claimed that his side remains firmly in the hunt to qualify for the top four, even though they have failed to maintain their early season form.
After claiming four wins from their first six matches, the Royals have faltered badly in the middle stages of the tournament. They suffered a 7-wicket defeat at the hands of Chennai Super Kings before enduring another overwhelming loss to Royal Challengers
Bangalore.
They were then on course for a victory against the Daredevils, played at Delhi, when they managed to restrict the table toppers on a gettable 152 for 6. However, with 15 required from the final 12 balls, the Royals choked under pressure, and were cut short
by just 1 run.
Their most recent match saw them suffer the wrath of Virender Sehwag. After posting a mediocre 141 for 6 on the board, a rampant Sehwag scored his fifth consecutive half-century of this season and consequently, propelled his side to an easy 6-wicket victory.
Their sixth defeat of the current campaign has seen them drop to sixth in the IPL table standings, but Dravid is no mood to press the panic button, and is hopeful that his side can bounce back in the remaining matches.
"We have six games left and I don't think we have reached must-win situation. First we want to win one and get back to our winning momentum which we have lost for a while. We are looking one match at a time. A win will put us back on the road," the Rajasthan
skipper.
Injuries have also not helped the inaugural champions, after it was revealed that Windies’ all-rounder, Kevon Cooper, has suffered a knee fracture and will remain on the sidelines for the rest of the tournament.
Dravid however, sees Shane Watson as more than an adequate replacement for Cooper. The Australian all-rounder recently arrived to join the IPL outfit after concluding his national commitments.
“With injury to Kevin Cooper we had to include an all-rounder in the team. Shane will improve with every match. You know about his capabilities. He can be destructive," added Dravid.