We can improve ourselves: Rayudu

The right-hander’s composure and poise stood out even as one batsman after another deserted him, though Rayudu admitted on Wednesday morning that he was disappointed at not getting the job done.

“Obviously I was disappointed getting out at that point, but I was confident we would get through,” he remarked. Yuzvendra Chahal ensured that confidence wasn’t without basis, scoring the two runs needed off the final delivery to seal a one-wicket victory, the Indians’ second last-over win in as many games. “We’re really happy with two wins in two games,” Rayudu noted, adding, “I’m sure there are a lot of areas where we can improve ourselves. It’s a positive sign that we all want to get better.”

The Indians have been severely hit by injuries, with Davy Jacobs the latest casualty on the eve of Monday’s game. “Obviously, we miss Sachin sir in the middle,” Rayudu said, clearly still in awe of the Master. “But we have him in the dressing room helping all of us get our focus and giving us all the needed help and guidance. It’s a great asset to have him around us.”

The unavailability of Tendulkar and Rohit Sharma, plus the lack of game-time of Andrew Symonds, Kieron Pollard and James Franklin, has totally weakened the Indians’ batting, with the early middle-order looking particularly vulnerable. Rayudu, however, denied that there was additional pressure on him because of the circumstances. “I just have to play according to the situation and the needs of the team,” he pointed out. “All the other players and I are focused on getting the team through from whatever situation.”