Two in a row is fantastic, says Warne

To string together two successive wins is a very special effort, says Royal's skipper Shane Warne

To string together two successive wins is a very special effort, says Royal's skipper Shane Warne
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"To string together two successive wins is a very special effort."

Rajasthan Royals' Yusuf Pathan rushes to congratulate Shane Warne after the leggie dismissed Manvinder Bisla during their 31-run win over Kings XI Punjab at Mohali yesterday. PIC: IPL 2010/Getty Images

Shane Warnes sheer joy at Rajasthan Royals win over Kings XI Punjab was understandable last night considering the number of regulars he doesnt have in his playing Indian Premier League playing XI. "We are one of the most depleted sides of this competition. Not having players like Graeme Smith, Dimitri Mascarenhas (both injured), Shane Watson (on Australia duty) and Ravindra Jadeja (banned) will affect any team," the Rajasthan Royals captain said after his sides 31-run win over the hosts. The Royals beat Kolkata Knight Riders in their last game at Ahmedabad on March 20.

Royal show
In good batting conditions throughout the game, Rajasthan Royals smashed an impressive 183 for five in 20 overs before bowling out Punjabs star-studded batting line-up for 152 in 19.1 overs.

Pacemen Shaun Tait (3-22), Siddharth Trivedi (2-25), off-spinner Yusuf Pathan (2-9) choked Punjab while Warne got ended Manvinder Bislas innings of 35 off 18 balls. Some effort that considering the Punjab batting arsenal includes seasoned performers like Yuvraj Singh, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Mohd Kaif and Irfan Pathan. "We (Royals) look for a scrap; we want to get stuck into the opposition and thats what we did today.

"In South Africa (the 2009 edition of the tournament) we were four balls away from making the semi-finals and against Mumbai Indians (in their first game of IPL III) we were a few runs away from winning.

"Now we are placed fifth so thats magnificent," he said. Warne doesnt shy away from labeling his players after they deliver for him. He pulled out a label for fellow Aussie Tait when a journalist told him that he didnt have any stars in his team. "What about Shaun Tait? Isnt he a star? Taity is bowling as good as ever at the death," Warne responded. The South Australia pacer claimed three wickets without even completing his quota of four overs. Young gun Trivedi (2-25) attracted some wholesome praise from his captain. "Sid was the star of the day for us," said Warne.