We have been inconsistent: Gilchrist

Mohali, April 19 (IANS) Kings XI Punjab skipper Adam Gilchrist blamed his team's dismal batting as they suffered their third loss in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Electing to bat against Kolkata Knight Riders here Wednesday night, Kings XI Punjab were restricted to 124 for seven by some excellent bowling by Brett Lee (2-26), Sunil Narine (2-24) and Rajat Bhatia (1-23).

The Knight Riders cantered to an eight-wicket win with 21 balls to spare at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium. Gambhir was the top scorer with an unbeaten 66 off 44 balls here.

Gilchrist said it was a combination of some poor batting by Kings XI and very good bowling by Knight Riders that resulted in the home side's loss.

'We have been inconsistent. We got off to a decent start, probably one of the better (ones) we have had in five games, but that was cut short when I came off (retired hurt). We haven't put together a comprehensive batting display at all. There is no doubt about that,' the 40-year-old said.

Gilchrist, who pulled a hamstring, was the top scorer for Kings XI. He hobbled off the ground in the sixth over and returned at the end of 17th.

Asked about his injury, Gilchrist replied, 'I will sit with the physio and find out whether I will need a scan or not. When I was out there (off the field), it didn't get any worse.'

Gilchrist, who led the Deccan Chargers to the IPL title in 2009, said his team has to improve if they want to stay alive in the race.

'We've got to play better than what we have, as a general rule. We have to play better cricket. We are not far off the post and we obviously feel we can improve,' he said.

Gilchrist also spoke on the controversial fashion in which his opening partner and compatriot Shaun Marsh (33) got dismissed. Marsh's edge off a Brett Lee delivery was taken low down by Knight Riders wicketkeeper Manvinder Bisla.

The on-field umpire subsequently ruled Marsh out even though TV replays suggested there was a doubt.

'On replays, I am not convinced with that. I thought there was a huge element of doubt there. Shaun asked the wicketkeeper, which I must say, is fairly the way how I opt to play the game. He asked the wicketkeeper, who said yes he caught it, so he walked off,' said Marsh.

'We accept that decision. We all get bad decisions and we have to get on with that. We have seen already a controversy in this tournament on something like that happen, which was not a pretty incident,' he said.