Delhi Capitals assistant coach Ian Bell said that his side has been left frustrated by the “small margins” that cost them from a “top-two” finish after a poor campaign as well. Delhi will take on KKR in the final league match of the season on Sunday as well.
Reflecting on Delhi’s season, Bell said, “Most teams outside the top four will probably say the same thing — consistency. We’ve shown this season that we can score 265 (264/2) and then follow it up by getting bowled out for 70 (75). We scored 265 (264/2) and still couldn’t defend it. There were times when we were brilliant, and there were times when we simply weren’t good enough.”
“In the IPL, when opportunities come against good teams, you have to take them. I think that’s where we have to be honest with ourselves — we didn’t grab those key moments. We lost to Gujarat Titans off the last ball. Against Punjab, we made 265 and still lost. Turn those results around and, if we win tomorrow, suddenly we are on 18 points and talking about a top-two finish,” he again shared.
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Claiming that the IPL is a tournament decided by the “finest margins”, Bell also said that it was also what made it the toughest and most rewarding league in the world as well.
“That’s why players and coaches want to be here — highest pressure, best players in the world, biggest fan base, best stadiums. But the margins are so small that you cannot afford to let moments slip.” “At times we were guilty of not seeing games through. Two different results and we are comfortably in the top four. You have to be ruthless in these opportunities,” he said.
“From a player or coaching staff point of view, we’ve only focused on trying to win games of cricket. Those ownership matters are outside our control and outside our jobs,” he said. “I haven’t heard it mentioned once in the playing group or among the staff. The team spirit has been excellent, the players have worked hard and looked after each other,” he shared.
“We can all look in the mirror and say we’ve given everything to the badge and the shirt. We’ve loved representing Delhi Capitals this season. And hopefully, if it’s not this year, Delhi Capitals win it next year, regardless of who is making the decisions.” Bell was also all praise for their opener KL Rahul who has been made the India Test vice-captain and said he evolved his strike-rate this season. I think his strike rates have gone through the roof. He’s been awesome for us, as I said, on and off the field, absolutely fantastic,” Ian Bell concluded.
