Careless approach in first 10 overs cost us the match: RR Director Kumar Sangakkara

Opting to take the field, the Rajasthan Royals limited the capital Delhi to a modest 154 for six, but could only score 121 points for 6 in 20 overs after being reduced to 48 for 4 in 10.2 overs.

Rajasthan Royals Director of Cricket Kumara Sangakkara on Saturday blamed the ‘careless’ approach of his batting unit in the first 10 overs for the 33-run loss against Delhi Capitals.

“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.”

Skipper Sanju Samson top-scored with 70 off 53 balls but Rajasthan losing wickets at the regular intervals didn’t allowed him to take his team over the line.

“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 credited 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.”

Sangakkara also rued the injuries to Evin Lewis and Chris Morris which forced them to make changes in the playing XI.

“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 former Sri Lankan great.

“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,” he added.

Rajasthan Royals will face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday.