Run-outs turned the match: Gaekwad

The run-outs of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid were the turning points against New Zealand in the ICC knock-out final, which India lost narrowly at Nairobi on Sunday, said coach Anshuman Gaekwad after the team arrived in Bombay on Tuesday.

"Both Sachin and Sourav (Ganguly) had given the team a flying start, and we were hoping for a score of 300-310 before the two run-outs took place in quick succession... and we could manage just 264 runs in the end," he said.

"These things (run-outs) happen and it was unfortunate that it happened during the final and that too when things were going very well for us," he added.

When asked why medium pacer Venkatesh Prasad, the most economical Indian bowler in the final, was underbowled, Gaekwad said: "Yes, I think Venky should have been given his full quota of ten overs as he had just conceded 20 runs from his six overs and had also picked up two crucial wickets.

"However, our boys performed brilliantly and there was a marked improvement in all departments of the game including fielding. We did a world of good to our reputation by beating World champions Australia and talented outfit South Africa quite convincingly in our earlier matches but slipped at the last hurdle," he added.

Praising the performance of debutants like Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan, the former opening batsman said: "It was heartening to see the youngsters play without any pressure on foreign soil in their first outing for the country.

"I think the team is moving in the right direction and when we (Indians) play positively we are always a hard team to beat. The best thing for the players is to put the defeat behind them and concentrate on the next assignment. There is no point in worrying about the past as the present team could do wonders in the years to come."

Gaekwad also lauded the fielding. "With so many talented youngsters in the side the fielding aspect has gained tremendous boost and I hope it will continue to blossom in years to come," he said.

Asked about India's chances in the forthcoming Sharjah tri-nation series, which also has Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in the fray, the former Test star said: "We have a very good chance, and if our boys play the same way they played in Nairobi then I don't see why we cannot win it."

Skipper of the Indian team Sourav Ganguly did not speak to the media as he had to catch a connecting flight to Calcutta.

Mail Cricket Editor