KXIP coach Brad Hodge has made no bones about his team's over reliance on openers Chris Gayle and K L Rahul though he hopes the middle order will deliver going forward in the Indian Premier League.
Yes I admit that we rely heavily on Chris Gayle and KL Rahul but that is the case with almost every team. It (middle-order) has been (a concern), for sure," said Hodge after the loss against Rajasthan Royals here yesterday night.
"We know that KL is in great form and when Chris Gayle fires, anything can happen."
We have got some extremely talented players and we need them to lift a little bit and contribute a little bit more to what they are doing."
"Unfortunately, we did not have anyone to help KL Rahul get the job done. It is a slight area of concern. Every team has a couple of good players and the rest of the batting revolves around them. But we have been getting good contributions from others too."
"I think our bowling unit has been outstanding throughout the tournament. That is probably the one area which is contributing well. But if someone is having a good day like that there is not much one can do about. I feel we bowled a fraction wide to Butler and he capitalized on it."
Actually, after the first six overs I thought it was a 180-190 pitch. And then it sort of changed very quickly and started to slow up. I thought 160-170 was going to be a very good score. Early wickets were crucial too and I am happy that Gowtham dealt two vital blows early."
"Shane Warne has been influential for the whole side. It is fantastic to have him here. . He obviously is very forward thinking. He likes aggressive cricket and is ready to take all positive options. I had to pick him obviously for leg spin bowlers and tactically it is fantastic talking to him. "