Kumble blames batsmen for defeat by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

---

Player:	A Kumble
Event:	Champions League 2009/10

---

DateLine: 16th October 2009

 

Bangalore skipper Anil Kumble held his batsmen responsible for the team's seven-wicket defeat against Victoria. He said that they just did not give the bowlers enough runs to defend.

 

"A score like 127 on that pitch was not enough. Once the ball got old, there was some dew and it was coming nicely onto the bat. Probably 165 was a par score here," said Kumble.

 

Kumble felt not getting early breakthrough dashed whatever winning hopes his team had.

 

"The initial thought was to get early wickets, because that is the only way you can restrict an opponent while defending 127.

 

"We tried hard to put pressure but it did not work," he lamented.

 

Kumble came in Steyn's defence and said every player goes through a bad day.

 

"He is someone who bowls at 145-150 kmph and gets wickets. That's the strength he has. It was one of the days when things didn't go his way. He is otherwise a world class bowler," Kumble said.

 

Looking ahead, Kumble said it was difficult to make it to the semi-final stage but promised to put up a good fight against Delhi Daredevils on Saturday.

 

"It got tough now. The format is such that since we lost in the group stage, we are not carrying any point. So we had to win tonight (Thursday) but we couldn't. But we will still give our best shot against Delhi," Kumble said.