Following Delhi Capitals’ staggering 106-run loss to Kolkata Knight Riders or KKR in the IPL, captain Rishabh Pant delivered a candid assessment, urging his team to introspect.
“We just didn’t turn up on the day,” he admitted during the post-match presentation ceremony.
Pant stressed upon the need for the team to maintain aggression in batting, even if it means risking wickets. Reflecting on missed opportunities, particularly a DRS call, he acknowledged factors beyond control but stressed the importance of focusing on what can be managed.
“As a batting unit, we only wanted to keep going hard as a team. I would rather get all out as a team than not go for the target,” he added.
Addressing tactical decisions, Pant mentioned the reluctance to utilise spinners due to ineffective fast bowling performances. He emphasised the necessity for individual reflection and learning from mistakes to approach the upcoming matches positively. Despite the defeat, Pant expressed satisfaction with his personal form after returning from a hiatus, recognising cricket’s inherent fluctuations.
Player of the Match, Sunil Narine, who made 85 off 39 balls, expressed his desire to contribute more with the bat while still enjoying his bowling responsibilities. “Cricket is all about batting so looking to contribute more as a batter. That said, I still enjoy by bowling,” he added.
He humorously addressed his limited involvement in batting meetings, highlighting his commitment to fulfilling team requirements. “I have one role and the less I know the better it is for me. At the end of the day it is what the team needs. If they need me to bat, I will bat,” stated Narine.
Winning captain Shreyas Iyer praised Narine and young Angkrish Raghuvanshi for their explosive batting displays, commending Raghuvanshi’s fearlessness and work ethic. Iyer remarked, “Sunny is there to take on the bowlers, and if he cannot the rest of us should. That’s the plan. He (Raghuvanshi) was fearless from ball one. His work ethic is phenomenal. He analyses situations well. He is a smart batter, shots were pleasing to the eye.”
