Agencies
Jaipur, May 27:
Rajasthan Royals captain and coach Shane Warne has described the last-ball win against Mumbai Indians in their Indian Premier League as one of the best victories in his 20-year cricketing career.
Warne also lavished praise on youngsters Niraj Patel (40 not out) and Ravindra Jadeja (23 not out) for keeping their cool to clinch the improbable win 5-wicket win in the last over.
"It was a sensational win and I would rate it as one of the best games of my 20-year-long cricketing career," Warne said after the match at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Monday night.
Asked how Rajasthan Royals had managed to win thrillers on so many occasions, the 38-year-old captain said it all came down to self belief while performing under pressure situations.
"In such close matches it comes down to self belief. It all is about how you handle the pressure and keep your cool. I am proud of the manner in which Ravindra Jadeja and Neeraj Patel handled pressure.
"The six by Jadeja over cover was unbelievable. It speaks volumes about the talent this young man possesses. Neeraj Patel too has shown again that he can be more than handful in such situations," he said.
Asked when seasoned Mumbai Indians couldn't handle the pressure, how "kids" like Jadeja and Patel were able to pull off the sensational win, Warne, who retired from international cricket last year, said "we give confidence to youngsters".
"One of our teams slogan is 'find the way' and also 'play your role'. I am proud that my team has doing so. But the new match winners like Neeraj Patel has also given us headache," Warne said.
"And don't forget about Sohail Tanvir's fine effort. It is difficult to squeeze in everybody. It will be tough for us during the selections whom to leave out."
On his role as captain and coach, Warne reiterated his stance.