“That s**ks!! We need to step it up… ”. This was Albie Morkel's reaction on Twitter soon after CSK's defeat to Kings XI Punjab on Saturday.
Opening batsman Faf du Plessis adopted a less critical approach, opting instead, to dwell on the loss of momentum in the middle overs. He claimed to be unaware of the re-jigged batting order and Wriddhiman Saha's elevation to number four.
“I just came in after my batting. I did not know too much of it. I think we lost a little bit in the middle there. The wicket was a touch slower today and leaving it for the last over was going to be tough.”
du Plessis also said M.S. Dhoni's dismissal was a crucial blow. “MS is good at controlling the game but after he was gone, the others found it a little difficult. Kings XI played well to get 50 runs between the sixth and 11th over. I think that was crucial.”
Later, a suitably pleased Adam Gilchrist pointed out there were a number of turning points which led to their victory. “I think Piyush Chawla's spell was outstanding. Azhar Mahmood was impressive in everything he has done. He's just come in with a great attitude.”
While du Plessis felt Punjab had scored ten runs too many, Gilchrist maintained his team “fell short by 20-30 runs”. “Our execution at the back end wasn't very good and our fielding wasn't the best today. But there has been some good continuity and we have done well in the last three-four games.”
Gilchrist was also excited about Punjab's position in the points table. “It's a pretty congested field in the middle and we are really glad to get two points. We showed great character today and hopefully we will get better.”
