Quetta Gladiators’ skipper Rilee Rossouw opened up after losing to Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine first eliminator at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi, on Friday.
The Gladiators had a remarkable start as they had won four out of four matches and were sitting on top of the PSL 9 points table but a dip in form pushed them towards a fourth place finish.
While Rossouw did his job as skipper, the left-handed batter, however, failed to contribute much with the bat as he ended his campaign with 148 runs from 10 innings at an average of 16.44.
Talking after Quetta’s defeat to Islamabad, the South African batter expressed his gratitude for being able to lead the team throughout the PSL 9 and stated that playing in the playoffs is a step in the right direction.
“Hopefully we can be better next time. It was an honour and privilege to lead this great side, lot of youngsters came in showed what they're capable off, definitely it's a step in the right direction and we need to build up,” Rossouw said while talking after the match.
He praised his bowling lineup, talking specifically about the spin department and pacer Mohammad Amir who proved to be Quetta’s best player with the ball.
“They [spinners] were phenomenal throughout the whole season, entire bowling put up their hands big time, leading the chart was Mohammad Amir, on the surface that don't really suit the fast bowlers, he did a phenomenal job, spin kings were fantastic,” he added.
“Thank you very much for your support [to the fans], unfortunately this is where it ends...first time in four years we have qualified for the playoffs, step in the right direction, we have come a long way, don't hang the boys on the rope...hopefully next year things could be a a lot different.”