Pune won because of good start: Rahul Sharma

Pune - Pune Warriors leg-spinner Rahul Sharma was elated after his team won the first match of the season beating Rajasthan Royals here Thursday night.

“Yes, it feels really great when you win a match. We have a good side and it takes a while to gel, since we have a new captain, and a lot has changed for us this year – Angelo is the captain, Yuvi Paaji is back and Ross Taylor‘s in the side,” said Sharma after the match.

The leggie, who was the pick of the Pune bowlers with figures of 4-0-16-2, said efforts are on to raise the energy levels on the field.

“We had spoken (before the game) that we are going to keep the energy high. And that was a plus point today, as all performances were more energetic. Everyone did well with the ball, bat and on the field as a result,” Sharma said.

“Personally, I have been working really hard this year to ensure I do well this IPL for my team. And as and when I get to bowl, I will try to do well.”

Sharma said Pune Warriors have been bowling well in this year’s competition, and the team has been doing well as a strong batting unit as well.

“We are hoping to bowl well as a team between the 16th and 20th overs, since that is important. However, we bowled well in all three matches, but our batting had not clicked until today. So, if we do well in that area, it will be good,” Sharma said.

Sharma was all praise for Aaron Finch and Robin Uthappa.

“Finch, who was playing for the first time (in IPL 2013) today, gave us a great start. If we keep getting such starts it will be great for us. Plus, Robin Uthappa is always a mainstay of our side. These are the starts we need to click.

“Our dressing room atmosphere was always good. But it was always about us gelling together as a team. We just wanted to start winning, since that was the key for us to gel,” added Sharma.