Sreesanth not dropped due to Bhajji factor, says Dravid

A dominant all-round display from the Rajasthan Royals took the hosts to a comprehensive 87-run win over the Mumbai Indians. Rahane struck a gorgeous 64*, which was backed by splendid bowling performance from his teammates, to register their third consecutive win at home at this season’s IPL. With this win, Rahul Dravid was delighted with the performance of his team.

“The first six overs in batting and bowling were decisive,” said Rahul Dravid, the Rajasthan captain. “(Shane) Watson and (Ajinkya) Rahane had put on 62 on board and, while defending, we reduced Mumbai to 26 for 2 by picking up the crucial wickets of Sachin (Tendulkar) and (Ricky) Ponting. This helped us tighten the noose. It was good effort overall. Rahane batted well and carried his bat through while (Ajit) Chandila’s blows were also very important.”

Sanju Samson, the wicket keeper who played a brilliant innings against Kings XI Punjab, was dropped from the playing XI against Mumbai Indians, replacing him with Dishant Yagnik. Yagnik played beautifully and scored a quickfire 34. “It was hard to omit Sanju Samson because he had done so well in last match but before that Dishant also played well in two earlier matches,” Dravid said. “Dishant returned to the side after recovering from his groin injury. The ploy worked today but some time it doesn’t and then you may be criticised also.”

“If we had lost quick wickets I would have come in as number three. It depends upon demands and situations. We felt that a left hander like Dishant Yagnik can provide us the impetus and he came true to expectations.”

When asked about Sreesanth’s absence against the Mumbai Indians, he said, “No there was nothing like ‘Bhajji factor’,” he said. “Sreesanth has played four matches and has performed well. We still have a long way to go and we want to keep him going throughout this long tournament. He can’t play all the matches.”

Dravid was also all praise for the curator. “Taposh Chatterjee, the curator, has done a fantastic job. It was easier to bat on this wicket when compared to the one used against Punjab. Taposh has been preparing great wickets and it has been good for Royals,” he said.