Bangalore Royal Challengers may have sunk to their fourth defeat in five matches but skipper Rahul Dravid vehemently dismissed suggestions of them being a Test side in Twenty20 jersey.
Talking to reporters after their 10-run defeat against Delhi Daredevils, Dravid refused to buy the theory that his presence, along with the likes of Wasim Jaffer and Jacques Kallis makes it look more like a Test squad than a Twenty20 outfit.
"I don't think so. Twenty20 fates are decided in an over or two. Luck, and rub of the green are factors here," said the former India captain. "And it's not that our team does not have youngsters. If there is any missing link, I think we lack that X-factor," he said.
According to Dravid, Delhi bowlers made all the difference in Wednesday’s match. "I think the difference (between the sides) were (Glenn) McGrath's wickets, both upfront and in the later stage. (Daniel) Vettori gave next to nothing in his four overs, and (V) Yomahesh bowled tight too.
"Twenty20 matches are decided in one-two overs and we needed two big overs, which we just didn't get. Chasing 10 per over, we were right on track but could not eventually make it," he rued.
Dravid also defended the ploy to open with Praveen Kumar, which fell flat on its face with the player falling in the first over itself. "Chasing 10 runs per over, we had to send our stroke-players upfront. Praveen was sent up with this idea. If he could score 15-20 quick runs, things could have changed. There was nothing wrong with the strategy," he said.
Asked why the side kept out Misbah-ul-Haq despite the Pakistani's expertise in this format of the game, Dravid said, "It was difficult fielding all the foreigners. We needed an all-rounder because our bowling was not strong, so (Jacques) Kallis played. Ross Taylor would leave now and Misbah will definitely get his chance."
Dravid is also banking on Anil Kumble's return to bolster the attack. "I hope things would improve when Anil returns. Our fifth bowlers are conceding 50-odd runs. If Anil concedes a little less, it would help the side," he added.
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