By IANS,
Chennai : Deccan Chargers stand-in skipper Adam Gilchrist said their thumping victory against Chennai Super Kings Tuesday will put their Indian Premier League campaign back on track.
This was Chargers’ second win in seven matches and Gilchrist hoped that his team would be able to sustain the momentum after the victory.
“T20 is a test of character and tonight’s victory has put us back on the road. Hopefully, we will be able to sustain the momentum. We have the talent, but that does not guarantee anything unless we work hard during our training sessions,” he said.
Gilchrist lauded his bowlers who laid the foundation for his team’s seven-wicket win against the Chennai Super Kings.
“Our bowlers did a fantastic job tonight and provided our batsmen the platform for the chase,” said Gilchrist, who led the Chargers in the absence of an injured V.V.S. Laxman.
On Shahid Afridi’s whirlwind innings of six-ball 20 not out, Gilchrist said: “He is an explosive batsman. He has been trying his shots, and tonight, he played true to expectations.”
Gilchrist said that given the tight IPL schedule with constant traveling, it was imperative for the teams to spot their own weaknesses quickly and solve them.
“The schedule indeed is quite difficult for the teams. So, it all depends on how quickly you identify your problems and solve them. We have improved a lot and hopefully, we will carry on with the good work in Jaipur when we meet the Rajasthan Royals next,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chennai captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni admitted that the loss of early wickets has been affecting their performance, especially in the last three games.
“We have been losing too many wickets too early and also our combinations have not been working well. Our batsmen have been playing too many shots,” he said, explaining the three back-to-back defeats following the four consecutive victories.
He hinted that he might move up the order in a bid to strengthen the top order.
“Tonight, our bowlers did not have the cushion of a big total and although they bowled quite well, we did not have enough runs on the board tonight.”
“We should not panic at this stage and try out different combinations. Our overall strategy would not change.”