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Not among runs, Gilchrist says he is under scrutiny

Last updated on: April 22, 2013 11:14 IST
Adam Gilchrist

Going through a lean patch, Kings XI Punjab skipper Adam Gilchrist has indicated there could be a change of guard when the team plays its next match in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

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Punjab pulled off a thrilling win over Pune Warriors in Mohali on Sunday night riding on David Miller and Mandeep Singh's brisk half centuries, but Gilchrist's poor run of form continued.

"I am definitely under scrutiny, I have not scored runs... the drop catch was a really bad let off and it could have cost us the game. Not good enough for me. When we sit down at the selection table, we will have to look at that and see what's right. Fortunately, the young guys have really lifted the team today to a great result," he said.

'Mandeep kept his nerve at crucial moments'

Last updated on: April 22, 2013 11:14 IST
Mandeep Singh

Gilchrist's countryman Shaun Marsh joined the squad two days ago, and his availability has opened up options for the opening slot.

"Yeah, we have got some thinking to do, with David playing so well and Shaun's back. We will have to assess how ready he (Shaun) is and when he is able to get back into the team. There are plenty of options. There are definitely some areas of weakness, I haven't scored the runs."

About the Mohali wicket, he said that it was a very good strip.

"It was such difficult ground to defend and hence the reason to bowl first and chase the total. Knowing the power of David's game and the touch of Mandeep, I thought it was a good blend out there."

Gilchrist also appreciated Mandeep's common sense, saying the batsman kept his nerve at crucial moments and used his cricketing brain to the best.

Miller, who accompanied Gilchrist, said Mandeep did an "unbelievable job to bat all the way through".

He said the team was initially under pressure having lost two quick wickets, "But Mandy batted well and with about 10 plus runs needed, Mandy kept telling me that we just need a boundary an over. I really believe we were in the game whole time, to be honest".

'Miller was on song from the start'

Last updated on: April 22, 2013 11:14 IST
David Miller

Finch, meanwhile, said there was little they could have done with the two opposition batsmen playing "special" innings.

"Unfortunately, we were at the receiving end of a very special innings," Finch admitted.

He said that Pune had been in position to win three games that had eventually gone the other way.

He, however, said that the team will take out "some real positives out of this game".

He also praised the way Yuvraj Singh and Luke Wright batted.

About the track, Finch said, "the wicket was beautiful. Anytime there is 360-370 runs scored in 40 overs is pretty special. The wicket looked a bit indifferent and we were not sure how it is going to play, but we took the gamble and decided to bat first. The wicket turned out to be outstanding, it was a perfect T20 wicket."

Asked if giving Wright the last over was a correct decision, he said, "It's a funny one, when you win the game, you look like a hero and when you lose, you look like a bit of an idiot. The way Ashok (Dinda) bowled the 19th over was outstanding.

"In those circumstances, it was unbelievable. The guy (Miller) was in phenomenal form, he was on song from the start. He had a great partnership with Mandeep. I don't think we did too much wrong to be honest."

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