A disappointed Kochi Tuskers Kerala captain Mahela Jayawardene conceded that his debut-making side lacked consistency in the tournament as they were virtually knocked out of Indian Premier League after a six-wicket loss at the hands of Kings XI Punjab on Friday.
Jayawardene said KTK had their chances in the tournament but failed to grab them at crucial moments.
"It is disappointing (to be out of reckoning). We had our chances in the tournament but we did not grab them. We haven't been consistent," Jayawardene said after the match."You had to convert half chances if you want to win and move ahead. We failed to do that at crucial moments. But I think we can take positives from our performance this season," he said.
Talking about Friday's match, Jayawardene said his side should have scored 15-20 runs more considering the rollicking start."We knew it was a small boundary, that is why we would have chased as well (if we won the toss). 180 was a par score. We did not bowl well after picking up those early wickets. We came back into the match with R P Singh getting the wickets but that was not enough," he said.
Asked about his classy 76 which took KTK to 178/7, Jayawardene said, "It is good to go up the order and enjoy myself which I have been doing. We need to pick ourselves up and finish off on a good note."
KXIP captain Adam Gilchrist praised his players for the team effort."I thought 200-plus was looking likely when Mahela and (Brendon) McCullum were batting. But we pegged them back. Really pleased with the bowlers and a comprehensive batting effort," Gilchrist said.
Asked if the win over title contenders Mumbai Indians in their previous match gave his side the confidence, Gilchrist said, "It is always a happy environment when you are winning. McCullum and Mahela were flying but the bowlers and fielders stuck at it."
"Shaun Marsh is dominator at the moment in our line-up but Dinesh Karthik was excellent," said the Australian. On his side's chances of making it to the play-offs with three matches in hand, Gilchrist said, "We have a few games in hand and might sneak in."
Man-of the match Dinesh Karthik said team owner Preity Zinta's pep talk to the players after slumping to five consecutive losses had helped.
"Preity said some good things to us after we were down with five losses. Fortunately we pulled back," he said."We always bank on Paul Valthaty and Gilchrist to give us a good start, but KTK bowled well at the start," he added.Asked about his strokeful 33-ball knock of 69, Karthik said, "It depends on the situation, I try and see the field if I can get away with it, then I try all those silly shots."
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