We were not close to our best: George Bailey

Kings XI Punjab captain George Bailey has expressed disappointment over his team's loss in the Champions League T20 semifinals to Chennai Super Kings, saying that the players did not play to their potential.

We were not close to our best: George Bailey

Hyderabad: Kings XI Punjab captain George Bailey has expressed disappointment over his team's loss in the Champions League T20 semifinals to Chennai Super Kings, saying that the players did not play to their potential.

"Disappointed for losing. I think that is the nature of the game, it does not matter whether you lose by one run or 80 runs. You reach this stage and you expect to play somewhere close to your best. We didn't do that," said Bailey at the post-match press conference.

Chennai bowlers wreaked havoc to dismiss Punjab for a mere 117 in 18.2 overs after Dwayne Bravo hammered 67 balls off 39 balls to take his team to an imposing 182 for seven in the second semifinal at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium here last night.

Noting that the target of 183 was "gettable", Bailey said his team should have been able to chase it down.

He, however, appreciated the "depth" in CSK batting with Ravindra Jadeja, coming in to bat lower down the order, making an useful contribution with an unbeaten 27 off 13 balls, even after KXIP had already got crucial top order wickets.

Analysing KXIP's overall performance in the tournament, the skipper said that the youngsters were outstanding.

"Proud of what the group has achieved. What we can do is get to the knock-out stage and give ourselves the best chance. Some of the development we have seen from young players has been outstanding. Very, very proud of them," said Bailey.

"The team would like to ensure that the winning streak continued with a system being put in place for the future," he added.

Meanwhile, last night's hero, Bravo expressed happiness over making the most important contribution in CSK's victory.

"Get one chance. It happens in cricket. The most important thing is to make use of that chance. After losing early wickets, it actually put some pressure. I tried to do something special for the team," said Bravo.

"It is motivating to play against Punjab team, which defeated us three times in the IPL. That actually gave that extra boost to defend. Happy that I did well personally and at the team level. I am more happy for the team that we could make it to the final," he said.

Bravo said a discussion with the coach, captain and other players before the semifinal tie helped him rise to the occasion when it mattered the most.

"All the guys had some good discussion what makes a difference in a semi-final game, in a final game. Most of the guys identified that in key moments the big players take responsibility and make a difference in the game. When I look at our team, all are match winners. So, anyone can actually do something special on his day.

"So, today was my day and I ensured that I take the team to the final. So, I am happy with that. It all stemmed from the discussion we had with the coach and the captain," Bravo revealed.