Each of us is dejected and disturbed

A new match, a new opponent, a new day but the same old result. That has been the story of Pune Warriors in this IPL season. We are one of the new entries into the league and always wanted to do something special. But no matter how hard we have tried, things haven't worked for us in the entire season.

The last game against Kolkata Knight Riders was another game where we faltered as a batting unit and didn't get enough runs on the board. Wickets have become low, slow and offering some turn as well. And that's what you expect towards the end of the season. We should have got at least 140 on the board to apply some pressure on the strong KKR batting. We were 20 runs short from our target and in the end it became a cakewalk for them.

Young captains, grand comebacks and superstar parties

If anyone asks me what could be the reason for our dismal show, I have to say that we didn't do the basics of the game right. We didn't bat well enough to get the desired score, didn't bowl well to defend or restrict the batting team and didn't field well enough to create pressure on the opponent. We had the resources, trained hard, planned everything and prepared well enough. But eventually it all comes down to execution and that's where we faltered, I guess.

Leading a side isn't easy. You take that extra pressure and have to answer all the questions. You feel more responsible for what's happening around you. You give more time and energy to set things right. You keep questioning your moves and decisions and most of the time you are in switch on mode, either thinking about what went right or preparing for the next game.

The biggest challenge for me was to keep the spirit of the dressing room in good shape. Losing dressing rooms can become sulky and miserable but that thankfully wasn't the case with the Warriors. We didn't allow depression to set in and get de-motivated at any stage and will continue to give our best shot in whatever cricket is left for us.

Captaincy is a tough test but I enjoyed every moment of it. Maybe we don't have results to show but a lot of times results aren't the true reflection of your efforts. The last forty five days were tough and unique for me. Leadership in itself is a great learning curve and you get to know new things every-day.

Managing a group of 25 odd people, taking decisions on their behalf, keeping every individuals aspirations & abilities in mind and pursuing the short term & long term goals as a team always make you a better man manager. It gives you a greater idea about management and life at large. I have tried my best to give everyone space and freedom to exhibit their skills and express themselves.

But all this is never a one-way process. All the boys in the team have been outstanding and their support was valuable. Each one of them is dejected and disturbed with what we have achieved as a unit and is keen to turn the things around.

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During this period they were very supportive and tried their level best to get things right. It may not have worked this season. But I have immense faith in the Warriors and I am sure with experience and time this team will do better.

We are in Delhi to play the last game of the season. Delhi also had a similar run like us and both the sides would like to finish things on with a win. We will give our best efforts to finish things on a better note.

Professional Management Group