CHENNAI: Kings XI Punjab skipper Yuvraj Singh blamed the loss of three crucial wickets in the middle overs for his team's 18-run defeat against Chennai Super Kings in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match here on Saturday night.
Speaking to reporters at the post-match briefing, Yuvraj said his team virtually lost the match after the exit of Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shaun Marsh and himself in the space of six deliveries.
"We lost too many wickets and that was where we lost the match."
The Punjab skipper, however, heaped praises on comeback man Lakshmipathy Balaji who registered the first hat-trick of the tournament and ended with figures of five for 24 runs in his four overs.
"I thought Balaji bowled extremely well and his return to form is good news for Indian cricket. He has never been the fastest of the bowlers, but is very deceptive, especially with the old ball. I am very happy for him," Yuvraj said.
Punjab coach Tom Moody was disappointed, but promised a comeback in the next game against Bangalore Royal Challengers.
"It is a pity that we couldn't finish the game today after a good start, but I am quite confident that we will come back. You cannot let yesterday affect you and we have a big game coming up against Bangalore next week and we hope to win that match," he said.
Subramaniam Badrinath, who top-scored for the hosts with a knock of 64, said he had been determined to make the best of the opportunity.
"Because of our strong batting, I did not get too many chances, but today I had the opportunity. I began to time my shots well and that gave me a lot of confidence," he said.
Badrinath hoped the innings would silence his critics. "I am not sure why it is said that I cannot bat in the shorter format of the game. I have the strokes and tonight I had proved that I can come good in the Twenty20 format also," he said.
About Balaji's hat-trick, Badrinath said: "It is a very sweet comeback for Balaji. He has been working very hard over the past two years and I am very happy for him."
