Chennai, April 3 Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad expressed disappointment after a five-wicket defeat to Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League match here on Friday, admitting that despite fielding a balanced attack of three fast bowlers and two spin bowlers, they simply had a bad day.
Despite scoring a formidable 209 for 5, thanks to young Ayush Mhatre's 73 off 43 balls, Chennai Super Kings failed to contain the Punjab Kings batsmen. A collective effort, led by captain Shreyas Iyer's 50, saw them chase down the target with ease in 18.4 overs.
"We felt we had three good fast bowlers, and, of course, we have two good wrist spinners bowling together, especially in the middle overs after the powerplay. We thought that would help," said Gaikwad after the match.
"But I think, it was just a slightly off day for both of us. So, I think that's what cost us. Sometimes we execute really well. Sometimes we just don't execute at the right time," he added.
He felt the team failed to build momentum with the ball in the middle overs, which could have helped slow down the opposition batsmen.
"There was a point when the required run-rate went to 11, and a couple of good overs could have taken it to 12-13. We just didn't get the momentum in the middle (with the ball)."
"It was a tough one (to take)."
Focusing on the positives, he said the batting performances of young Mhatre and Shivam Dube stood out, though he added that the bowling needs improvement.
Winning captain Shreyas Iyer said the superb start provided by openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh was key to chasing down the big total.
"The way we started today, that was an exceptional start for us. I feel the way they (Arya and Prabhsimran) have been batting has been phenomenal, and it stabilizes our rhythm.
"I'm glad everyone is getting to bat. It gives immense confidence to the team. Whenever we're in a pressure situation, people are aware of how to handle it. We just decided in the dressing room that we would play a brand of cricket to impress each other – that gives us a certain sort of clarity, and basically challenges each other."