We are aware of our shortcomings

It was a disappointing result for us in the last game. We bowled and fielded well to restrict Kings XI Punjab but we lost early wickets and the chase did not have the desired result.

It can happen sometimes when there are too many expectations. You want to do well at any cost and sometimes the anxiety gets the better of you.

The batting failure will not have an impact going forward. There have been reports that the batting is dependant on me, that’s not the case. The fact is that I need to ensure that I am around to close out the games. I tried to perform to the best of my ability in the last game but unfortunately, we lost a few early wickets.

Senior batsman Graeme Smith has not started firing and once he starts scoring, it will be a different ball game altogether.

He is a great player and I think people need to be patient with him. He is coming into this format after playing one-dayers against Australia, so the transition will take a little time.

Captain Shane Warne was disappointed, but the boys know the mistakes we have been committing. The top order batsmen, including the openers, haven't clicked and that’s where we need to improve. If we do that, then the other teams better watch out.

If you look at the last game, it was about one good partnership that changed the complexion. I am talking about the Sangakkara-Irfan partnership. They changed the course of the game and those runs proved crucial in the end.

I enjoyed playing against Irfan. I hit him for two boundaries, but that would have been sweeter if we had won the game.

He is my opponent if he’s on the opposite side. That’s the beauty of IPL, I get to play against my brother just like our younger days.

Hopefully in the return game, my face-off with Irfan will yield a better result for the team and me personally.

First Published: Apr 28, 2009 02:25 IST