It was a chaseable target, says Kotak

Gujarat Lions suffered a 23-run loss to Kings XI chasing a 155-run target in Rajkot on Sunday.

Published : May 02, 2016 13:09 IST , Rajkot

Ravindra Jadeja of Gujarat Lions leaves the field after losing his wicket against Kings XI Punjab at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Sunday.
Ravindra Jadeja of Gujarat Lions leaves the field after losing his wicket against Kings XI Punjab at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Sunday.
lightbox-info

Ravindra Jadeja of Gujarat Lions leaves the field after losing his wicket against Kings XI Punjab at Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Sunday.

Gujarat Lions assistant coach Sitanshu Kotak feels said the 155-run target set by Kings XI Punjab could have been chased down despite losing its explosive opening duo early.

“Our openers batted brilliantly so far in most of the matches. They didn’t click this time but the target could have been chased down by the middle-order,” Kotak said after Gujarat Lions suffered an upset 23-run loss to Kings XI Punjab here yesterday.

Despite the loss, Gujarat Lions continue to top table with 12 points. The Suresh Raina-led side will now play Delhi Daredevils here tomorrow. “After losing the openers early our middle-order could have played better to achieve the target, but it happens some times,” Kotak said.

“Losing wickets early in the game cost us, we will try to find out the weak areas and will work on it.”

Chasing a target of 155, Gujarat Lions was tottering at 39 for five at the end of seventh over and the match. But young Ishan Kisan (27) and James Faulkner (32) showed some resistance to help Gujarat Lions reach 131 for nine, 23 runs short of the target.

Gujarat Lions left-arm chinaman bowler Shivil Kaushik, who took three wickets conceding only 20 runs from his four overs and the tweaker said he would have been more happy had the team won the game.

“I am satisfied with my performance by taking wickets, but I could have been more happy if the team had won the match,” Kaushik said.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment