Delhi's young batsmen need consistency, says Dravid

Disappointed after Delhi Daredevils failed to make it to the play-offs of the Indian Premier League (IPL) yet again, team mentor Rahul Dravid felt that young batsmen need to be more consistent with their performances.

Delhi finished sixth with 12 points from 14 games, with their batting line-up, largely boasting the likes of

Rishabh Pant (366 runs), Sanju Samson (386), Shreyas Iyer (338) and Karun Nair (281) floundering to deliver up to their potential.

Dravid said that the batsmen, picked at the auction as part of a "larger context" despite not having experience, have shown brilliance but lacked consistency.

"We are disappointed obviously. We had the expectations of qualifying for the play-offs," Dravid said after his side lost to Royal Challengers Bangalore by 10 runs in their last league game on Sunday here.

"The youngsters played brilliantly for us and I believe that they have the potential to become huge stars. Players like Rishabh (Pant) and Sanju (Samson) have really proved their mettle against good bowling line-ups. They need consistency, though. But there is no question about ability and talent in them."

"All are very talented. Nobody releases experienced Indian players in the auction. We honestly took the decision to back some young Indian talents, mixing them with experienced overseas players and experienced bowling attack. Couple of guys didn't kick on at the right time. But no excuses, we had opportunities and we haven't taken them."