I want the boys to keep their heads up, says Pietersen

Delhi Daredevils captain Kevin Pietersen admitted that 152 wasn't a good enough total to restrict a side like Rajasthan Royals but he wants his boys to keep their chin-up and carry on fighting for the rest of the tournament. 

"I thought in the 10th over when myself and Quinny got out, that undid us," Pietersen. 

"It was poor for both of us to get out and we didn't have enough runs on the board. I want the boys to keep their heads up, they've done all they can and that's all one can ask for," the DD skipper said.

Pietersen reckoned that the track got slower with passage of time. 

"The pitch got slower, but we just didn't have a score on. (Satisfied with his bowling attack). We're talking the right language and the boys are training hard and that's all anyone can ask for." Even Pietersen's opposite number Shane Watson was very happy to have restricted the Daredevils around the 150-run mark. 

"It's a nice win. We were able to restrict such a high quality batting order to around 150. We controlled it well in the middle with Pravin Tambe and Rajat Bhatia bowling well. 

"We've got quite a lot of bowlers to mix and match and the way Karun steered the ship home, it's quite exciting," Watson said.

Watson credited the team management for scouting fantastic talent from across the country. 

"Management does a brilliant job spotting the talent and we like to encourage these guys to play with freedom." Watson did not hide his disappointment of not being able to play Jaipur. 

"Very disappointing not to play in Jaipur. I love it there and we've had a lot of success there. Feels like a second home for me but I'm sure Ahmedabad will be good for us and hopefully we can make that into a fortress as well." Young Karun Nair thanked his captain for showing faith in his talent. 

"In the UAE, I wasn't giving myself enough time. There are quite big legends in the dressing room and I would like to thank Watto and the support staff for their confidence in me."