RR smart enough to plan strategies: Dravid

Jaipur: Satisfied with his team`s back-to-back victories in the Champions League T20 tournament, Rajasthan Royals skipper Rahul Dravid today said his players have quickly adapted to the conditions and successfully executed all the strategies.

"We have been smart enough to learn about the conditions and plan the strategies," said Dravid. Having won both their matches, Rajasthan earned eight points and are sitting on the top of Group A table. With two more matches left in the league stage, Dravid said the Royals were not yet thinking about the semifinals. "Right now we are focusing on our next match against Perth Scorchers. We will have to beat them to move on and then would think about the Otago Volts, who are a good side and are always attacking," said the former India captain. Dravid, however, admitted that it would be an ideal scenario to play the first semifinal, which is scheduled to take place here -- in Rajasthan`s home ground. "We are hopeful of making it to the semis and it would be an ideal scenario to play the first semifinal at the home ground. Then have a rest day and then play the final. "We don`t mind playing the second semifinal but back to back games are not easy," said Dravid. The first semifinal is scheduled on October 4 here, followed by second on October 5 and the final on October 6, both in New Delhi. Asked about the spot-fixing fiasco, in which three of the Rajasthan team members were arrested, Dravid said he and his players were determined not to let that disturb the environment of the dressing room. "After those happenings we decided that all of us will keep the environment positive," he insisted. Dravid attributed the Royals` success to the support staff and coaches. "We have a very good support staff and bunch of coaches who provide right environment for the youngsters to feel free and help the seniors. "We don`t blame them. We are not worried about the results but keep working hard and don`t change the routine. That is why we have been able to keep the momentum going," Dravid explained. Coach Paddy Upton also echoed the same feelings, saying, "During my stint with Indian team I had a chance to develop a relationship with Rahul Dravid and that was one of the reasons that I could associate myself with Rajasthan. "Shane Watson is also here, so we make a fine think-tank." PTI