The Delhi Capitals lost to Chennai Super Kings by 23 runs in their IPL match on Saturday in Chennai, and Director of Cricket Venugopal Rao remarked that losing four wickets in as many overs was the turning moment.
DC was cruising at 61 without loss in 4.5 overs while chasing 213 to win, but they were reduced to 76 for 4 in eight overs after losing KL Rahul (18), Pathum Nissanka (41), Axar Patel (1), and Sameer Rizvi (6).
“I think after seeing this second inning’s batting, there was a bit of due there. I felt losing four wickets in four overs was the turning point. In this format, always felt that back-to-back wickets, it’s always cause for the team,” PTI quoted Rao telling reporters.
Sanju Samson made them pay by scoring a 56-ball 115 after DC missed a run-out of Ayush Mhatre and fumbled a catch.
“It happens. It’s a long tournament, we will have one or two bad games. In the first three games, we fielded well. One-off game; after the strategic timeout we missed a run-out and gave a life to Sanju in the same over,” Rao said.
“I think it’s a game of momentum. I think we gave 15-20 runs extra. By chasing 213, if I’m not wrong, below 200 is always psychologically far better chance of chasing and all, especially these conditions.”
On Samson knock, Rao said: “He’s a class player, boss! You need to accept it. For him coming to new franchise, obviously, big runs is always important. I think this 100 might help him for the next few games for CSK. Unlucky that we were on the other side today.”
