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Not sure of my role in Rajasthan Royals: Dravid
With Rajasthan Royals ousted from IPL's playoff contention, skipper Rahul Dravid says he is not sure about his role in the side and would take a break to think over before making any commitment.
Talking to media after the humiliating 10-wicket defeat against Mumbai Indians, Dravid, who had bid adieu to Test cricket, said it was disappointing to lose in such a fashion.
"I really don't know. I will have to think over. I would take a break and decide about my role. I will talk to my family and also the management of the Rajasthan Royals about my role and then I would decide. My goal is to develop young players," Dravid said.
"We have youngsters like Ashok Menaria, Ajit Chandila, Ankit Chavan and Gajendra Singh. I am sorry about the local lad Gajendra Singh who is a fine bowler but couldn't get a chance to play," he added.
'Losing close games hurt the team badly'
"It was a pleasure to lead the side and the support from the management and support staff has been top notch. As far as my own performance is concerned I played my role as the opener with Ajinkya Rahane to satisfaction. I feel batting is one thing and scoring runs is another thing."
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"We need a young and talented player who could open the innings with Rahane. He might be with some other franchise but we would try and rope him for the next season. We also have god players hopefully we would make it to the play offs next year," Dravid said.
Reflecting on Rajasthan's campaign in the event, Dravid said losing close games hurt the team badly.
'I am disappointed but there are some positives too'
"We had lost a few close games like the ones against Delhi, Deccan and Chennai and that hurt us. The previous night was also a tough one for us. We did get some chances but could not get the breakthrough," he said.
"I feel our performance today on ground and bowling was the worst. I am disappointed but there are some positives too. We couldn't make it to play offs but have played good cricket," he added.
When asked whether the decision of playing Shaun Tait, who gave away 40 runs, backfired, the skipper insisted that the Australian was his strike bowler.
"When we play him people ask why he was included and when we don't play they ask otherwise. You can't have it always right. He had come in after an injury but did a very good job.He was in rhythm and had performed well," said Dravid.