Shane Warne sounds warning to rival teams
By IANSFriday, March 26, 2010
AHMEDABAD - Rajasthan Royals are back in the hunt after their crushing victory against defending champions Deccan Chargers and captain Shane Warne said their third win on the trot is a message to the rival teams that they are back to their best.
After losing their first three matches, Rajasthan Royals are scripting a turnaround with three wins that saw them jump to third place in IPL with six points.
“It’s all about execution of the plans. It was an emphatic win today and everybody contributed. We are here to stay. It should send a message to the rest of the IPL (teams) that we are playing good cricket,” Warne said after Royals beat Chargers by eight wickets.
The Royals, who were written off by the critics, now looks a formidable outfit. They had a dream run in the inaugural IPL when they went on to become the champions without any star power in their ranks.
Charismatic Warne had inspired the team and plotted downfall of their opponents. Tonight Warne was back to his best, bowling with guile and spot on with his strategies.
“We had an honest talk about how to go about it. We had senior Indian players Yusuf Pathan and Munaf Patel playing their role in the team management. Team spirit is something that has to come from within. I am very proud of the guys. Everyone is doing their role.
“There was couple of good run-outs. Abhishek Jhunjhunwala and others were brilliant on the field. We have lost only game in two IPLs at home and we want the opposition to feel uncomfortable when they come here. It’s our fortress.”
As for his own bowling, Warne said he is getting back to rhythm.
“Sometimes you don’t get the results and get whacked a bit. I bowled well in couple of games to get there and now I am bowling well.”
Deccan Chargers captain Adam Gilchrist said they were outplayed in every department.
“We allowed them to dominate. The batsmen did not set enough runs for the bowlers to defend and then it was phenomenal hitting by Yusuf. We have to move on and improve from tonight’s performance.”
