Gautam Gambhir says he is not disappointed, defeats are part of cricket

The Kolkata Knight Riders’ skipper, Gautam Gambhir, after a grueling defeat by 5 wickets in last night’s game against the Mumbai Indians, has said that he has lot of confidence on his side to do better in the rest of the tournament.

The match between the two sides was being played at Eden Gardens, on May 22, 2011.   

While talking to media, the Kolkata captain stated, "It happens in cricket. We are meeting again in three days time hopefully we can turn around then."

In Sunday’s show, the Mumbai Indian skipper, Sachin Tendulkar, won the toss and decided to field first.

Batting first, the Kolkata players were confident after setting a huge total of 175 runs on the board.

The Kolkata bowlers were also reassured after an early breakthrough, when Tirumalasetti Laxminarayana Suman went back to the pavilion.

The Mumbai side experimented with their batting order, deciding to send the all-rounder, Harbhajan Singh, early on.

Harbhajan proved his mettle, scoring 30 valuable runs from 29 balls, smashing 5 boundaries. The skipper, Sachin Tendulkar, added 38 runs as well.

James Franklin and Ambati Rayudu scored 66 runs in the last 5 overs, taking their team all the way.

Franklin scored 45 runs under-pressure while Rayudu scored 17 from 6.

The visitors needed 21 runs in last over of the inning. Laxmipathy Balaji was bowling while Franklin and Rayudu were at the crease. Franklin struck four boundaries on the first four deliveries while Rayudu sealed the game with a glorious six.  

Gambhir was disappointed on losing a winning game but this defeat will not put them out for good as the team has already qualified for the quarter-finals.

The 29-year-old commented, "These things do happen. I have real confidence on my bowlers specially on Bala(ji). He is a tough character and will make a comeback in the next game."

The left-handed player gave full credit to the Mumbai batsmen and the way they scored. He said, "We put up a good score on this wicket. All credit to the Mumbai Indians. They really played well."

Mumbai, after this win, has managed to come in at No.3 on the IPL points table while Kolkata is at the 4^thspot.

Both sides will clash against each other again at Mumbai on May 25.