Rajasthan Royals isn't a weak side: Warne

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Jaipur, April 30: : Elated and confident with three straight wins in the Indian Premier League, Rajasthan Royals captain and coach Shane Warne said his team was prepared to tackle the wounded Kolkata Knight Riders as they would try to bounce back in their encounter in Jaipur on Thursday.

"Some people had branded us underdogs but we had self belief, we worked out some plans and executed them. We had prepared hard but despite that we lost our first match but thereafter we have won next three. I believe our success came because we were able work out strategy," Warne said.

"The Kolkata Night Riders will land in the evening and must be tired and weary after long journey and defeat last night. Now they will have to play in scorching heat on Thursday as the match starts at 4.00 pm. We are prepared and expect that they will try to bounce back," he said after a strenuous practice session.

Warne said with overseas players from some teams flying back home, they would have to plan new strategies.

"It would also mean that we will have to work out new strategies. The surprise element plays a big role in this form of cricket. We did apply this strategy by asking Yousuf Pathan and Dinesh Salonkhe to bowl. The other teams have started copying our strategy but with new players coming in we too will have to think over again. They can be dangerous too. We will have basics covered and work out plans," he said.

Rajasthan Royals will not lose any overseas player, they have gained in form of all rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas of England, but Warne said his inclusion in playing XI, would depend upon the conditions and balance of the team.

"I am happy that Mascarenhas is here. His inclusion in the eleven would depend on the composition of the team. We have skillful squad. According to the situation we have had decided either to chase or to bat first. We know the conditions better here. We assign definite roles for every player. I am glad that presence of Mascarenhas has added more options because he can throw his bat around and bowl good too. Players like Sohail Tanveer, Kamran Akmal, and Graeme Smith can be used in best way," said Warne.

Warne denied that Rajasthan Royals' turn-around from underdogs to frontrunners had put him under pressure.