No fairytale, it’s all hard work this season: Warne

AHMEDABAD - Rajasthan Royals are again turning the Indian Premier League on its head with their fourth successive win Sunday after losses in the first three. But their charismatic skipper Shane Warne believes it’s not a fairytale run like the inaugural year, but a lot of hard work behind every win this season.

Royals defeated Chennai Super Kings Sunday and now are serious contenders for a semi-final berth with eight points from seven matches.

“2008 was a fairytale. This is about hard work. The way we have come back in the tournament shows a lot of character and team spirit in the players. I am very happy with them,” Warne said.

“We have a great squad and credit to the support staff and the boys for putting in all the hard work, I thought it was a fantastic game of cricket. We are fortunate to have the crowd behind us, it’s coming out well for us.”

Warne said the Royals will have to maintain the momentum.

“This competition is all about momentum. We are right back in the mix, but we have to be there. In this format anybody can beat anyone.”

Warne was all praise for opener Naman Ojha and fast bowler Shaun Tait for their performance against Super Kings.

“Shaun Tait was fantastic. One of the key component in our game is Ojha and I am really happy for Ojha. He played beautifully. Michael Lumb and Ojha gave us a great platform.”