IPL 8: In this format, these two points do make a difference, says Ashish Nehra

Ashish Nehra said he was very satisfied with his performance. (Source: BCCI/IPL)

Chennai Super Kings pacer Ashish Nehra said defending a 150-run score against Delhi Daredevils was a tough ask but he is glad to have played a crucial role in his team’s one-run triumph on Thursday. (Full Coverage| Fixtures)

“It is always good to finish on the winning note, especially the first game though we won by one run. We were always in the game especially picking wickets. We knew we have to defend 150 and we have to bowl well upfront. That is what exactly happened to us,” Nehra, who picked up three wickets, said in the post-match presentation.

“In this format, these two points do make a difference. It is quite satisfying that we finished the first game on a winning note,” he added.

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Conceding that CSK were about 20 runs short, Nehra said, “…the way we were going we were looking to score at 170 or 175. But in this format anything can happen any time. We lost two quick wickets and they bowled very well in tandem in between especially from 13th to 17th over.”

On his own effort, Nehra said he was very satisfied with his performance.

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“Definitely, I am satisfied. This was my first game after four months. I did not play the Ranji Trophy season but I was quite confident having bowled well in the nets. Bowling well in the first game and to end on a winning note gives you confidence for the future games,” he said.

“It is always difficult to pick three four wickets upfront. As a bowler, it is your job is to defend even if your team puts up 120 or 125.”

As for Ravindra Jadeja not getting to bowl in the match, Nehra said that was part of a strategy.

“There were two-three left-handers batting at that time and It was crucial situation. It is not that jadeja cannot bowl to the left-handers but this was the first game of the season. we did not want to take any chance,” he said.

“Yuvraj Singh, Albie Morkel, J P Duminy are big hitters of the balls. Jadeja has been a very important part of the team and even if he does not bowl he is an amazing fielder and a utility cricketer,” he explained.

Meanwhile, a disappointed Delhi Daredevils captain Jean Paul Duminy, defended his team’s performance.

“Losing by a run is tough but we have to look at the positives and look forward to the next game in a few days time. I am pretty happy with the performance. Nobody likes losing but there are positives too,” he said. Duminy, however, admitted that the squad composition would be assessed.

“It is a fresh team. So, we are trying to figure out combinations which would work in these conditions.”

On Yuvraj Singh batting down the order, Duminy said, “We knew that probably he is fit to bat in the later half of the innings. It was a game plan of us to send him down the order.

“Again, it is still early in the competition and we need to figure out what is going to be the best combination, especially from the batting prospective.”

As for Mohammed Shami not being a part of the playing eleven, he said, “It has been a long season for a lot of guys. We have got quite a big squad and guys will be back to do the business for the team.”

Source:: Indian Express