Gilchrist not worried about poor away record

[1]

Kings XI Punjab skipper-cum-coach Adam Gilchrist feels their top batsmen -- Shaun Marsh and David Hussey -- have the ability to adjust to the tricky Eden Gardens strip as they prepare to take on Kolkata Knight Riders in an Indian Premier League fixture here on Sunday.

"I don't think you can compare the wickets here to the ones we play in Australia with pace and bounce. Anytime we play here we have got adjustments to make," he said.

Heaping praise on Marsh who has a superb 53.52 average from 31 matches in the IPL, Gilchrist said: "Shaun Marsh's record in the IPL is second to none. He has showed that he can play in any conditions in the IPL.

"Hussey recently performed well on the slow wickets of the West Windies. You need to make proper adjustments. It's just how well you adjust to that."

Punjab might have just tasted one win in the season -- against Pune Warriors -- but the Aussie said it's not a worrying factor as yet.

"Our record is very similar to a lot of teams so far. Some have one and two, two-one or two-two win-loss record. Everyone on a given day can beat any other team. We are pleased with the way we are travelling," Gilchrist said about their all-loss record in away ties of IPL-5.

Gilchrist further said they may not be a team of superstars but they have it in them to upset any team.

"We don't feel we have any super megastars who bring in any big egos. I'm not insinuating that anyone else has that. We are a very relaxed and enthusiastic group. As far as our team environment is concerned, we are a terrific bunch of guys. I don't see any team who are unbeatable."

Asked about his dual responsibility, Gilchrist said: "I don't see it's a big difference to anyone I've done before really. It's little more organisational stuff being involved with the coaching staff and the management. I am being part of that group which is working well."

But he added each player in the Knight Riders pose a threat.

"Everybody... They have got big names. Every player can do a terrific job and so often in a T20 it's the individual performance that can set a game up. They are all dangerous."

"They are very tough opponents. We are very very mindful of that. But I enjoy playing here, a passionate cricket city."

Gilchrist backed his opener Paul Valthaty, who has been going through a lean patch since his century in the last edition, to come good.

"Everyone has been in these situations in their career. We are just trying to keep backing him. But he knows the reality.

"It's high intensity. Everyone is looking for results. We are just trying to encourage him, to keep relaxed. He is just got to trust in his abilities so that he does not lose his talent."

Gilchrist said they might go for an extra spinner on the slow Eden surface.

"I have not seen the wicket yet. We have to keep it flexible as the conditions are more conducive to spin bowling. That's an option for sure."

Asked to comment about the current bunch of wicketkeepers, Gilchrist said: "I don't watch enough international cricket to know how each wicketkeeper is going specifically. The standard is pretty good and they are all contributing with the bat which is a pre-requisite these days."