IPL players welcomed on their return from South Africa

LUCKNOW - Left-arm fast bowler Rudra Pratap Singh of Hyderabad Deccan Chargers team who emerged as the highest wicket taker in the just concluded second edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 cricket tournament in South Africa received a grand welcome on his return to Lucknow on Tuesday.

Hyderabad Deccan Chargers who were at the bottom of the table in the first edition played last year, played well in South Africa and won the IPL title beating Bangalore Royal Challengers by six runs in the final at the New Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday.

“We followed the basics and our team won. The captain and everybody else contributed. This is a matter of pride that I am the highest wicket taker of the tournament. We are the defending champions. We have come back after playing 45 to 60 matches,” said R P Singh.

Meanwhile, in Bangalore, Anil Kumble who led the Bangalore Royal Challengers team expressed disappointment at the team’s defeat in the final.

“It is difficult to digest. I find it very hard that we have lost the game. May be for some of the players involved in the international game, they will have to get on because there is a World Cup coming in,” said Kumble.

In the final, Deccan Chargers successfully defended a meager total of 143, thanks to fine bowling by R P Singh, Symonds, Harmeet Singh and Pragyan Ojha. (ANI)