IPL 2017: Dejected Rahul Dravid laments Delhi Daredevils’ poor execution

Delhi Daredevils succumbed to a 10-wicket loss against Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League in Mohali on Sunday evening.

Delhi Daredevils chief mentor Rahul Dravid was at loss for words after a shocking display by his side against Kings XI Punjab in the 2017 Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday. Delhi Daredevils were bundled out for 67 and Kings XI Punjab managed to chase the target in only 7.5 overs to post a 10-wicket win.

Delhi Daredevils chief mentor Rahul Dravid was dejected with their 10-wicket loss to Kings XI Punjab in the Indian Premier League at Mohali on Sunday. (PTI)

“Really disappointing, you don’t have much to say when you get out for 67 and the other side chases the target for no loss in 6-7 overs. We were pretty disappointing on the day and our execution was poor and our batting was not up to scratch,” Dravid said.

Dravid hoped that his team learns a lesson from this loss and puts on a better display in the remaining six matches. Delhi Daredevils didn’t leave the ground immediately and were in a huddle in the middle of the ground for long.

READ | Delhi Daredevils 67 all out, Kings XI Punjab win by 10 wickets

“We can only go up from here. But we have been better than what we showed today. Even in this tournament there have been periods where we have shown glimpses of good cricket. We have lost some close games. But then in the last two we haven’t played well,” he said.

“Here we were really poor and didn’t assess the condition and bat intelligently. We didn’t give ourselves a chance,” he said.

READ | DD 67 all out, KXIP win by 10 wickets

Dravid hoped that the young batting line-up puts up a better display in the upcoming matches.

“They are young but they have been playing IPL for a while. Most of them have shown glimpses of some good performances in this tournament and in the past as well. So really it’s going to be up to them to lift themselves up and go and play good cricket. The key will be not to think too far ahead and focus on the next game. We owe it to our fans and franchisee, they deserve much better than what we did today,” a dejected Dravid said.

The former India skipper also defended giving the reins of the team to Karun Nair, who has been struggling this season, especially in light of JP Duminy and Quinton de Kock missing from the team due to injuries.

“We had decided early that if Zaheer becomes unavailable Karun will take over captaincy. I mean it happens that sometimes people run out of form and that is not a reflection in captaincy. There is nothing much he can do if you don’t put enough runs on board. We would like him to score few runs. But he was sort of designated vice-captain,” Dravid said.