Sangakkara praises Steyn

HYDERABAD: Deccan Chargers skipper Kumar Sangakkara admitted that Dale Steyn made the big difference in his team’s stunning nine-run win over Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday.

“It always feels great to win especially at the end of a tournament which we didn’t do too well. The guys played really well today. Steyn is a fantastic bowler. He is a crucial part of the team. He produced such an outstanding spell today. His spell infused confidence in the other bowlers and they responded well to the challenge. It is always nice to have Steyn in the side as he is fun to be with,” said a smiling Sangakkara.

Asked what went into mind when Chris Gayle was hammering his bowlers, Sangakkara said: “There is nothing really one can do when Chris (Gayle) is batting. There was nothing wrong with Manpreet Gony’s bowling but Chris is so good that he took a heavy toll of even very good balls.

“When Chris gets going there is nothing that a bowler or captain can do. The bowler can only bowl in the right areas and let Chris do the rest – either to hit it out of the ground or get out.”