SPORTS

Foreign players must contribute: Sangakkara

Source:PTI
May 04, 2011 11:13 IST

Frustrated after Deccan Chargers slumped to their sixth defeat in the Indian Premier League, skipper Kumar Sangakkara said the team's international players will have to take responsibility and come good in the remaining matches.

Deccan slumped to a 20-run loss at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders in Hyderabad on Tuesday to languish at the seventh position in the points table.

"It is a bit frustrating and not good for us. We take a lot of pride with the way we play our cricket and to lose as many games as we have done, it really hurts. It's very disappointing," Sangakkara said.

"The overseas players have to take big responsibility. The international players need to come here and win games. Unfortunately, we have not been able to convert many of the starts and that's something we need to look at," the Sri Lankan added.

Deccan were also done in by some sloppy fielding which saw explosive Yusuf Pathan receiving two lives. The right-hander cashed in on the missed chances and scored a 26-ball 47 to power KKR to a challenging 169 for four, which eventually proved too much for the home team.

"It's hard to give two chances to a batsman of the caliber of Yusuf Pathan who can be destructive. It is discipline that can change games. So, we really need to up our game on the field," Sangakkara said.

"Bowling in the death overs also needs to be addressed. But, having said that, 170 is always gettable, especially on a track like Hyderabad. Having got a solid start from the openers, myself and Cameron White could not capitalise and keep the momentum going," he said.

He also said that as captain of the team he needs to take up more responsibility.

"Sometimes, you get out early which is not great. As a captain, I need to take responsibility and that is something that I always take pride on," Sangakkara said.

Source: PTI
© Copyright 2024 PTI. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of PTI content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent.

Recommended by Rediff.com

NEXT ARTICLE

NewsBusinessMoviesSportsCricketGet AheadDiscussionLabsMyPageVideosCompany Email