BCCI Logo
BCCI Logo

News

DD taking it one game at a time

Sat 28 Apr 2012, 12:00 am

DD taking it one game at a time
Summary

Ojha, Russell talk about Delhi Daredevils’ good run in IPL 2012

After beating the mighty Mumbai Indians yesterday, the Delhi Daredevils will take on the Rajasthan Royalstomorrow. They will be hoping to secure another win and strengthen their position in the league table. Ahead of the match, wicketkeeper Naman Ojha and Andre Russellspoke about their team and what sharing the dressing room with great players like Virender Sehwag, Kevin Pietersen and Mahela Jayawardene has taught them. Excerpts from their press-conference: On whether their position seems a little secure Naman Ojha: We are just concentrating on our next match against Rajasthan Royals tomorrow and not thinking ahead too much. On being an opener but having to play lower down the order Naman Ojha: It is the requirement of the team that I play lower down the order. So, I am trying to play as well as I can in the few overs that I get to bat and contribute as well as I can towards a victory. On playing in the IPL Andre Russell: I am happy to be here. I am excited about the games I have been watching from the sidelines. I am positive and confident of the guys and am waiting to get my chance. But at the moment, we have a very good team [...]. I am hoping to get a chance and make use [of the opportunity I get] whenever that happens. On David Warner coming into the side Andre Russell: [It’s good] with Warner coming in to the side I think. Warner is a batsman and KP [Kevin Petersen] is leaving soon, so he is going to take up where KP left off in the batting department. I still believe that I can get into the final [playing] eleven whenever the team needs me. I am here to support the guys in every way that I can. [...] I am ready for any opportunity; and whenever I get a chance, I will grab it with both hands. On the IPL experience Andre Russell: it has been a very good experience so far. KP is a great guy and [Morne] Morkel, [Mahela] Jayawardene and all these guys, and also [Virender] Sehwag the captain. I have been watching these guys from a young age [...]. It very interesting being around them and rubbing shoulders with them [...]; it’s a good thing for me and big experience. So, I am learning whatever I can learn from them. Even though I don’t get games this year, I know that next year I have to catch up [...]. I am hoping for the best for the guys because a winning team is always upbeat. If [I] don’t get a chance to go on the field for Delhi Daredevils in 2012 [but] we win the tournament, it will mean a lot to me and the team. [...] On plans for Ajinkya Rahane who has been in good form Naman Ojha: We have team meeting tomorrow where we will plan for Ajinkya and rest of the guys. On how has sharing the dressing room with players like Sehwag, Pietersen and Jayawardene helped his batting Naman Ojha: You get to learn a lot from being with players [like] KP, Viru paaji, Mahela. Batting with them in the nets, sharing the dressing room with them and watching them batting in a match, you get to learn a lot from them. They are very experienced players, so they share important points about the wicket, etc while playing in a match, and that helps you learn. [...] On whether he is satisfied with his wicketkeeping so far Naman Ojha: I am very satisfied with my keeping so far and I am trying to improve with each game. On whether he has a goal of getting back into the national side Naman Ojha: I have played very well in the domestic matches and try to perform well everywhere. The rest is not in my hands.