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We must enjoy this 'must-win' challenge

Two losses in two games and we are now facing a must-win situation on Tuesday against Hyderabad. The defeat against Bangalore was due to inept batting, while the defeat against Rajasthan was because we gave away far too many runs, especially at the top of the innings. The only consolation was that we batted extremely well to chase 211, and while we did fall short, we at least made a game of it.
That was not the only disappointment for us on Saturday, because the other game also had a result that does not help us. Though I only watched the start of the Mumbai innings, we were aware of what was going on and that Delhi's win does put us in a must-win situation. However, I would like to get into the semifinals on our own strength and not on the basis of another team's performance. On Saturday, our bowlers were guilty of bowling on both sides of the wicket, and in T20 cricket, it's difficult to defend both sides of the field. We also bowled quite a few boundary balls, which the in-form Bangalore took full advantage of.
When the tournament began, everybody was talking of the 'star' teams, but I knew that Rajasthan would do well. They have utility players, and everybody does his little bit with the bat and ball. What's more, many of their guys are in good form, and they also have good bench strength. While I did not get a chance to speak to too many of them, they look like a team that is on a winning streak, happy and gelling well together.
We too need to exude similar confidence when we face Hyderabad and it's important that we enjoy the challenge of a must-win situation. I am not one to complicate things too much, and since Sunday was a break for us, I watched 'Iron Man' and have come back suitably refreshed.
Hopefully, the weather in Hyderabad will be a little less punishing than it is in Chennai right now. My finger is not in a very good shape after the knock in Kolkata last Sunday. Parthiv Patel will be keeping wickets, as I would not like to aggravate the injury before a hectic cricket season. Hyderabad's openers are in very good form and we need an early breakthrough to peg them back.
We need a good bowling performance that was lacking in the last game. We batted badly against Bangalore and bowled badly against Rajasthan. I hope that we will get both aspects right this time, and enter the semifinals on our own steam. It will be some time before we get back to Chennai, whichever way the game goes on Tuesday. It's been a wonderful stay, and I will miss the motorcycle rides to the stadium and down Beach Road and EC Road. I look forward to the stay here next year.

Rahul Dravid denies reports of quitting

Bangalore Royal Challengers skipper Rahul Dravid has denied reports of qutting the team and parting ways with Vijay Mallya-owned team after there were rumours of him being unhappy with the team and management. Dravid said to a news channel: "Reports of quitting Bangalore Royal Challengers not true. I have enjoyed the experience of playing in the IPL T-2O matches. I have a 3-year contract and hope to fulfill it." Earlier, there were rumours that the Vijay Mallya-owned IPL franchise - Royal Challengers - is likely to receive a jolt as its 'icon' player and skipper Rahul Dravid was believed to have expressed interest in parting ways with Mr Mallya for the league's second season. Dravid, according to insiders in the franchise as well as BCCI, was unhappy with the way the team management has dealt with the players. "I have had no discussion with Rahul Dravid, but he is performing well personally which I am pleased about. The other players also need to play to their abilities," Mr Mallya told Economic Times. When contacted, Dravid told ET: "I have nothing to say at this stage." A senior BCCI official said that Dravid has had an informal discussion with board officials on his exit from Royal Challengers. "There is an issue with Dravid, as he is unhappy with his team, and post the first IPL season, we will have to look into the matter."

Jaipur win make Delhi happy

Niraj Patel (40 not out) and Ravindra Jadeja (23 not out) turned heroes by scoring 16 runs from the match-deciding last over to guide Rajasthan Royals to an improbable last-ball 5-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in a nerve-wrecking Indian Premier League match on Monday.The young duo stood tall among ruins to share an unfinished 69-run stand for the sixth wicket to single-handedly decide the fate of the match though aided by some blunders by the Mumbai team.Today's result ensured that Delhi Daredevils make it to the semi-finals with 15 points from 14 matches while Mumbai Indians (12 points from 13 matches) will have to wait the outcome of tomorrow's match between Chennai Super Kings (14 points from 13 and bottom placed Deccan Chargers in Hyderabad.