“We have lost three in a row after winning three in a row. It’s a big game tomorrow obviously. Mumbai (Indians) is in really good form,” said the former Australian player on the eve of their eighth round clash against the hosts.
“We had some good signs yesterday. We batted a lot better than in the previous two games though we have to improve on our all round game,” said Lehmann.
The holders had started their defence on a losing note against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 12 before regrouping to notch three straight wins.
But then came the slump that saw them losing to 2008 winners Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians and the Knight Riders on Thursday which pushed them down to the seventh spot in the table going into Saturday’s return match against the Sachin Tendulkar-led Mumbai.
Lehmann pointed out that in the teams’ previous clash, which was their home tie at the D Y Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Deccan had come close to restricting Mumbai to a total of around 140 before Harbhajan Singh took the game away with his blistering 18-ball 49 not out.
“We should have played well against Mumbai last time when we had them at 7 for 120. Then Harbhajan got something like 50 off 20 balls. We should have finished that game off if we had kept Mumbai at 140,” Lehmann said.
The key was to do well in all three departments instead of doing them in bits and pieces, according to the former Australian batsman.
“At the moment we are doing bits and pieces well but need to gel all three - batting, bowling and fielding - together. We are looking to improve in all areas,” he said.
“He’s obviously in great form. We bowled reasonably well to him last time. We have obviously some plans. It’s a case of taking the opportunity with both hands if he gives us a chance,” Lehmann said when asked about Tendulkar.
The team has worked out strategies for Harbhajan as well when he comes to bowl on a wicket that may suit the Indian spin spearhead a bit, Lehmann indicated.
“He batted well last time, but hopefully these days don’t come often. But he’s a quality bowler. He’s got lot of wickets in all forms. We are aware of that.”
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