Deccan Chargers skipper Kumar Sangakkara blamed the fielders for their 10-run defeat to Chennai Super Kings, saying his team dropped far too many catches to win a close game.
"It is about holding to catches, I know mistakes happen but we dropped far too many to win a close game. We batted and bowled well but our fielding has cost us many games this season," Sangakkara said on Friday after Deccan were restricted to 150 for five while chasing 161 to win.
"It was a case of getting a good start, we got a good start, but they came back well with some good fielding and we couldn't get back into the game. White batted exceptionally well. We have some young guys but we have to get the basics rights," he added.
Chennai has struggled a bit at home this year and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni said it is because of the wicket which has become a lot slower recently.
"The wicket has become slower, difficult for us to capitalise in the latter overs, because of the pitch. It is happening now, it happened last Champions League as well," he said.
Asked about the status of Australian pacer Doug Bollinger, Dhoni said: "Doug Bollinger is bowling well in the nets, but too many no-balls in the nets, so we need to assess how he goes. Ben Hilfenhaus did a good job today."
Suresh Raina was adjudged the Man of the match for his all-round show where he scalped one wicket with a stunning catch and also scored a brisk 32.
Raina has not been able to capitalise on his starts in this season and the left-hander said he needs to bat longer to contribute more to his team.
"I think I need to spend more time at the crease, hitting them well but need to bat till 15th. Whenever the left-handed batsman comes in, Dhoni asks me to bowl. We need to bat well, put some good scores on the board and defend well," he said.
