IPL 2017: “Pretty devastating”, says Glenn Maxwell after Kings XI Punjab’s (KXIP) defeat to Gujarat Lions (GL)

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), eyeing an outside place in the playoffs of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017, took on Gujarat Lions (GL) in match no. 47. Kings XI Punjab, coming off a massive win over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their last home game at Mohali, were brimming with confidence. Batting first, thanks to an outstanding hundred by Hashim Amla (his second this season) Kings XI Punjab set a target of 190 runs for Gujarat Lions. However, it all turned out to be a disappointing contest for the KXIP side, who were handed a six-wicket thrashing. Chasing 190 to win, Gujarat Lions scored 192 for 4 in 19.4 overs with Dwayne Smith top scoring with 74 runs. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) vs Gujarat Lions (GL), IPL 2017, Match 47 at Mohali

GL, who were having a poor season with the bat, turned the game around after an explosive knock by Smith, winning the match by 6 wickets. Smith was helped by some sloppy fielding and poor bowling by KXIP, which skipper Glenn Maxwell admitted in the post match presentation. “It was a pretty average night to say the truth. To have a guy get a hundred and not be able to celebrate with a win is pretty devastating. Certainly had enough runs on the board. It was just left to the bowlers and fielders to do the job and unfortunately we let ourselves down with three dropped catches,” Maxwell explained.

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Talking about the Sandeep Sharma incident with the umpire, Maxwell said, “It didn’t really affect us so much (talking about the no-ball against Sandeep Sharma when the umpire reckoned the bowler did not inform him about the change of guard). It was a crucial moment in the game, unfortunately the umpire forgot to tell the batsman to move to the other side and that is what happened.” FULL CRICKET UPDATES: Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) vs Gujarat Lions (GL), IPL 2017, Match 47 at Mohali

With Amla and David Miller returning for national duties for South Africa, Maxwell said that the team must now regroup and move on. “We haven’t really won consistently throughout the tournament. We will regroup. Unfortunately we will lose Hashim and David Miller now (the duo will leave for national duty),” Maxwell added.

Talking about his own bowling Maxwell said, “Creating the chances, which is always nice to do as a spinner (talking about his bowling form). If someone is having an off day, I can take their overs. As the tournament has gone on, I have been able to include myself in the bowling.”