Gilchrist defends his team after heavy defeat

Last Updated: Thursday, April 11, 2013, 21:15

Tags: Adam Gilchrist, Kings XI Punjab, CSK, Chennai Super Kings, IPL 2013, Indian Premier League, Dhoni

Gilchrist defends his team after heavy defeat

Mohali: Despite his side`s 10-wicket defeat at the hands of Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, Kings XI Punjab skipper Adam Gilchrist defended his team, saying it was just an off-day for them.

He said that batting failure let the team down but there was no need to press the panic button.

"We were outplayed by CSK, but it was just an off-day for us. We did not bat well. There were bad balls but we could not put them across the rope ... It`s a bad day," he told reporters at the post-match conference.

"The tournament has just started and it was just one day which went wrong. We have a lot of youngsters and they will take time to settle down in the tournament," he added.

On his bowlers’ listless performance, he said that they were the same boys who were impressive in his side`s victory against Pune Warriors the other day.

"The bowlers have played well in previous match," he said.

Meanwhile, Michael Hussey, who remained not out on 86 in CSK`s big win, said his side has improved a lot from the previous match which they lost against Mumbai Indians.

"Our bowlers performed very well. Our fielding too put a lot of pressure on Punjab," he said.

"Great conditions out here, outfield was really fast, enjoyed batting with Vijay. He was great support for me out there and he kept me calm. Had a bit of luck, you always need some luck. He said on his knock," he added.

Hussey informed that Albie Morkel and Chris Morris have joined the team.

"It`s good for CSK that both Morris and Morkel are coming for South Africa after playing a T20 tournament ... They are already in T20 mode," he said.

Meanwhile, CSK captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni praised his team-mates for an all-round show.

"The bowlers bowled really well, the fast bowlers did a very good job and R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja backed them up. We needed this win and it was important that we did well with the bat," he said after the match.

"Hussey and Vijay batted well, gave a bit of respect to the fast bowlers, but then finished it off. Overall, it was a good fielding performance but we can still improve."

PTI

First Published: Thursday, April 11, 2013, 21:15