We would like to sign off in style

As a team, we will be striving to live up to our potential in our last match and would love to sign off in style. If we do get the opportunity of doing something special in order to reach the last four of the tournament, we will give it our best shot. If we are left with nothing and our match against Mumbai Indians turns out to be a matter of statistical interest, we will still try to end on a happy note, giving our fans something to cheer about.

I know the fans will be feeling the pinch, about being so near yet so far. On hindsight, the Kings XI match and a few others are haunting us. When one is left in a situation of depending on others, then the feeling is even more hapless. We will be waiting with bated breath for the results of Sunday matches.

Against Royals, our bowlers did get their act right. It was a much improved display than against RCB and Chennai. The result was there for everyone to see as we restricted Rajasthan to a small total. The fielding and catching, except for a few hiccups here and there, was definitely of the highest order. Laxmi Ratan and my catching efforts lifted the side and we could come back strongly even after Rajasthan got off to a flier.

We did have the run-rate in mind when we went out to bat but were pushed back a bit with the loss of McCullum and Gayle. Cheteshwar seized on the opportunity and played a magnificent knock. This is one guy, I believe, about whom we will get to hear a lot in the future. I have complete trust in his ability and feel a bit sorry that I have not been able to use him properly in the tournament.

On the personal front, the going with the bat has not been bad at all, considering the fact that I started to open only from the fifth match. A lot of people are also surprised by my fielding effort. I am not, because in the entirety, it is just the reflection of the hard work put in throughout the year. We were not that bad a team to have to depend on others to decide our fate. But there is still a silver lining. After all, our team slogan says, miles to go and promises to keep.

Professional Management Group