IPL 2012: Rahul Dravid has done great to keep Rajasthan Royals motivated, says Amit Singh

Rajasthan Royals (RR) might be second on the points table with two successive victories but medium pacer Amit Singh feels it is still a long way ahead and that the team needs to maintain consistency to make the final stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Amit Singh said Rajasthan Royals starts the group campaign on a positive note but falters before the knockout stage as has been the case in the past few IPL editions © AFP

Jaipur: Apr 19, 2012

Rajasthan Royals (RR) might be second on the points table with two successive victories but medium pacer Amit Singh feels it is still a long way ahead and that the team needs to maintain consistency to make the final stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Amit, who has the distinction of not missing any game for Rajasthan, said the team starts the group campaign on a positive note but falters before the knockout stage as has been the case in the past few IPL editions.

“We went on to win the inaugural edition but failed to lift the title again. Probably, we have been playing well till three quarters of the past few editions to keep ourselves in hunt but had slipped in the last quarter. I feel we have to maintain consistency to make ourselves one of the contenders for the title,” Amit told reporters.

“We have done well so far but are not focusing on the final as of now. It is still a long journey ahead and we are taking it one match at a time. We have to keep our mindset positive. Our captain Rahul Dravid has done great to keep the side motivated. He is such a good leader and planner,” added the lanky pacer.

Rajasthan will next play defending champions Chennai Super Kings at M A Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk on April 21.

Asked about Australian pacer Shaun Tait, who was still to play his first match in the ongoing season, Amit said, “I feel Tait is still one of the best in business. Just because of the team composition, he did not get a chance to play.”

“He is also of great help to us as a senior bowler who is always ready to correct out the flaws in nets. But, I am a big fan of former Australian quickie Glenn McGrath for his accuracy and great admirer of Brett Lee for his sheer pace,” he said.

Talking about his own bowling, Amit said he has added slower ones to his repertoire.

“Our coaches are now available throughout the year. We have developed weapons like the slower ones and bowling stump to stump. (PTI)