Delhi Daredevils skipper Virender Sehwag has blamed his bowlers and fielders for their six-wicket thrashing against Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League match in New Delhi on Monday.
Electing to bat, Delhi batsmen failed to convert their starts and Sehwag also felt his team's total was around 20-25 runs short in the end.
"We were short by 20-25 runs, we didn't capitalise in the middle overs. But 150-odd was not a bad total, our fielding and bowling was not up to the mark. When you are giving boundary balls, it is difficult to set a field," Sehwag said on Monday.
Asked if Shahbaz Nadeem was the right choice, Sehwag said: "We decided to give the spinner [Nadeem] a chance because Gautam is batting well against the fast bowlers."
Sehwag also praised West Indies spinner Sunil Narine, who continued his good work and claimed two wickets on the day.
"[Narine] might not work against me, I could have smashed him. But it is difficult for others, it is difficult to pick him, he is good and young bowler, he is learning fast."
Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir also acknowledged the spinner's contribution to his team.
"What he has done for us is tremendous, he is a charged up bowler. Sunil has been the pick of bowlers but others have also done well," he said.
Man of the Match Jacques Kallis said his team is trying to finish the league stage at the top of the table to qualify for the finals.
"It has been a fantastic season for us. Captain has had a fantastic season. Our wicket at Kolkata does not have this sort of carry. It was good to deliver on this sort of wicket. We are focussing on trying to end up first or second and get through to the final," he said.
