Dravid is the man behind Rajasthan Royals’ superlative performance: Brad Hodge

Brad Hodge, who played an important role in Rajasthan Royals win against Kolkata Knight Riders, credited skipper Rahul Dravid for RR’s fantastic performances in the last two games. “Dravid is a calming influence and it is a privilege to play under him. He explains the things exactly the way he wants, in a very effective manner. The youngsters have a lot to learn from him,' said Hodge, according to a report in The Hindu.

According to the Australian, “Our planning was spot on. We had gone into the match looking to put pressure on Kolkata batsmen, and succeeded in that. The variations in bowling, spin or pace, were very well executed. Maybe, we were 10 runs short but still managed a very good win. All credit to the boys. I am not sure what the strength of our team is! The batting is clicking, and bowlers have stood the test. It is the all-rounder ability that keeps us going.”

Meanwhile million dollar boy Ravindra Jadeja has starting to show his worth in the IPL. “It took Ravindra Jadeja just two matches in the IPL to show why he could be worth a fortune. To Chennai Super Kings, he's worth two million dollars plus, in a move many considered bloated and risky. But Jadeja insists he will deliver the best his talent allows him,” says a report in Hindustan Times.

"I hope to maintain this form but it's wrong to assume that I'm concentrating only on the IPL. To me, the entire season is important," said Jadeja, after an all-round show that helped CSK thrash Deccan Chargers here on Saturday.

Meanwhile BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla made it clear there is no possibility of Pakistani players becoming a part of the IPL until and unless there is a resumption of bilateral cricket ties between India and Pakistan. According to a report in DNA, Shukla said there was no campaign or hatred against Pakistan and he himself felt sad that Pakistani players were not featuring in the IPL. “No one is against Pakistan or Pakistani players in India or else we would not have allowed Pakistani commentators or umpires in IPL 5,” Shukla told Geo News in an interview on Sunday.