We played a perfect game: Rahane

Rajasthan Royals captain Ajinkya Rahane today said that his side played a "perfect" game in their 30-run win over Royal Challengers Bangalore in their IPL match here today.

Rahane said his side played as a unit and praised opening batsman Rahul Tripathi (80 not out) and leg-spinner Shreyas Gopal (4/16) for playing key roles in the win.

"I am happy and every captain and team management wants that in difficult situations team members should stand up and perform. It was a perfect night for us where we played as a team," Rahane said after the match.

"We know Rahul is a quality player and we back him. We know he can play under pressure. He did not play well in his last few innings but he has tremendous talent. I think he will go up from here. His innings and also the little cameo from Heinrich Klaasen (32 off 21 balls) in middle overs where it is difficult to bat were magnificent efforts."
Talking about Gopal, Rahane said, "He really bowled well. He was bowling with good momentum. With both the right handers at the crease we knew with his slow wrist spin there were chances of him picking wickets."
"We all are positive and happy with the way things have gone. We were without Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes but it is important to play as a unit. It is not that one or two guys win matches for any team but you need to play as a unit. We have to stay positive and do whatever we can visualize for the play-offs."
"We have a good side but things have not come well. Sometimes it is bad batting or sometimes bad bowling. We have not been able to executive our plans."