IPL 9: Don't judge us on basis of one match, says Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir

Hyderabad: Kolkata Knights Riders captain Gautam Gambhir today expressed confidence that his side can put up an impressive performance in their IPL match against Sunrisers Hyderabad tomorrow, notwithstanding their loss to Mumbai Indians earlier.

Gautam Gambhir

"One game ... you cannot judge a team just by one game. I think we were very convincing in the first game. Obviously, we could not defend 187. Sometimes, you need to give opposition credit as well. Mumbai played really smart cricket. They chased the target very well," Gambhir told reporters at the press conference ahead of tomorrow's match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

"I think they were very measured in their approach. They did not go really hard throughout the 20 overs. Rohit Sharma anchored the innings. You got to give credit to the opposition as well," he said.

KKR pulled off a superb win against Delhi Daredevils, but lost badly to MI.

"As I said, we are a quality side. We got quality bowling attack. If we can put that kind of runs on the board, most of the time, we will end up defending it. There is still a long way to go," Gambhir said.

Replying to a query, he said the final call on team composition, including whether to play spinner Sunil Narine or not, would be taken tomorrow.

"I have not thought about it. We will sit down tomorrow and see how it goes. Obviously, that is an option. That is an option, any captain would want to have, especially playing (Broad) Hogg and Sunil together. It is quality, not only quality, attacking bowling as well where you can take wickets. It's an option and a great option to have," he said.

Asked about Jacques Kallis coaching KKR, Gambhir said, "It's a natural transition for Kallis to don the new role." KKR would like to play the best without worrying about the rival, he added.