DC Coach Jonathan Batty Stands Firm: Backs Aggressive Batting Despite Final Loss

March 18, 2024 0 1103

Despite a disappointing loss in the WPL final, Delhi Capitals head coach Jonathan Batty remained steadfast in his support for the aggressive batting approach adopted by his team throughout the tournament.

In the aftermath of their loss to the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Women’s Premier League final, Delhi Capitals’ head coach Jonathan Batty acknowledged their team’s shortfall in runs despite a promising start to their innings. Initially off to a blazing start with 61 runs in the powerplay, the team failed to maintain momentum against spinners, resulting in a collapse from 64/0 in seven overs to being bowled out for 113.

Despite this, Batty reaffirmed his support for the aggressive batting style adopted by the team throughout the tournament. He attributed the loss not to their approach but rather to a few missed opportunities during crucial moments.

“We didn’t do ourselves justice with the bat [in the final]. Left ourselves a few runs short of where we probably should have been after that fantastic start. As a fielding unit, full credit to the players, they were amazing. I don’t think we should have done anything differently,” Batty said.

“We back our batters to play really aggressive, positive cricket as we have done all tournament. The margins are so small. Those batters who got out in the middle phase in the innings, they get a bat on one of those and it goes for four runs, we get 150 or 180 and it’s a completely different game. They have been fantastic all tournament, I think we have been one of the standout teams to finish at the top of the table, and our batters have been absolutely amazing,” he added.

Batty also praised Meg Lanning’s exceptional captaincy for DC in the finals. Despite a modest target, the coach commended Lanning’s decision to rely on seamers to control the game. He lauded her bravery and dedication to the competition, acknowledging her disappointment with the loss.

“She (Lanning) puts her heart and soul into this competition at Delhi Capitals. She’s been fantastic. I guess she is disappointed as we all are, we felt we didn’t do ourselves justice today. We have been brilliant all tournament, full credit to RCB for winning tonight,” Batty continued.

Notably, the Delhi Capitals’ coach further lauded the improvement of Indian domestic players in their squad throughout the season. Batty concluded by singling out players like Arundhati, Radha, and Titas for their standout performances, predicting a bright future for Titas particularly.