We were tired of losing, coming second - Jennings

Royal Challengers Bangalore have defied the odds, and conventional wisdom, to make Saturday's semi-final. Their performance last season, when they finished second from the bottom, seemed to have extended this year as they lost four of their first five games. Then they turned it around and, says coach Ray Jennings, the most important factor in that was the execution of tactics on the field.

"We had one or two heated meetings where we discussed execution of the plans and the responsibility," he told Cricinfo. "The other turning point was Anil Kumble. And finally the team spirit. The team that we have now is experienced. The team was tired of losing and they were tired of coming second all the time. I don't see the turning points in the results.

"I feel we have overachieved with regard to the label given to us last year about being a Test side. Two games ago we were second-last and now we are third. That shows the fighting spirit of the side. We have beaten Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Daredevils and Deccan Chargers, the other semi-finalists. We are good enough to beat any side now."

Jennings said it actually took him some time to come to grips with the team before he could start implementing his strategies. But having managed to work in sync and establishing a symbiotic relationship he has managed to push his side into the semi-finals.

"The side understands what needs to be done on and off the field. At the same time it has taken me some time to understand what is going on," he said. "Obviously, Kumble has a played a big part in helping get the mood and the performance on the field at the right level. That, and the hunger and fighting spirit, has come through and brought us to the semi-finals."

Bangalore's rude jolt in the initial part of the tournament coincided with the departure of Kevin Pietersen, their new captain, to England. The team was left in disarray. Jacques Kallis, who was originally announced to take over from Pietersen, was struggling to find form with both bat and ball. Just then Jennings and the team management took a vital decision which would not only transform the team but also change their fate. Kumble was appointed the new captain. A point Jennings drives home when continuing about the team's revivial.

"As a captain he [Kumble] has been a huge presence," Jennings said. "He has bowled himself in pressure situations, in tough periods and utilised his skills to the maximum. The way he has read the game has been really good and more importantly he has been a big influence on the Indian players. There were a few differences between Kumble and KP [Kevin Pietersen] in their captaincy styles. KP came in not knowing a lot of players. Also his [below par] performances didn't help as well and only added issues with regards to the results. Kumble has been very good at execution of the tactics. His attention to detail, his inputs during the selection meetings, and all the experience he has gathered over the years has been really great.

"Coaches tend to lead from the value point of view and it is quite difficult if the senior guys and the captain don't follow those rules. But Kumble has been superb and has been of immense help to me."