We have not done badly: Gilchrist

Gilchrist said there's no point to ponder over a loss as Twenty20 is a very unpredictable format and his side's chances to finish among top four in league stage are as good as any other team.

"You can't sit down and get too disappointed with two losses or get carried away with wins because you know it can change in an instant," Gilchrist said at the pre-match press conference.

"We are doing well and happy with the way things are going. We have chances as good as any. This tournament is so unpredictable, everyone is pinching points off each other," he said, giving example of Mumbai Indians scoring just 94/8 to lose by seven wickets to Rajasthan Royals.

"It's all very congested. We have done well in three games and not so well in one and half other games. I say half bad game because of our last game. We batted very very well to get to 202. But we gave away too many runs but that's the nature of T20," he said.

Gilchrist said his side were not scared of the Knight Riders just because they got back to winning ways in the last match against Delhi Daredevils.

"I think a lot of people get caught up in results. I don't come into this game getting petrified that they won the last game. They are good cricket team, they have shown that they can play some good cricket. We will have to play well to get the results," said the former Australia wicketkeeper batsman.

Asked how KXIP would tackle Brett Lee, Gilchrist said, "Hopefully we will not give me too many run out opportunities. I think a feature of his bowling yesterday was giving them too many run outs (laughs). They have some world class cricketers in their line-up, we will just try to be sharp against him."

Gilchrist is not complaining at the schedule according to which KXIP play nine games in 21 days starting tomorrow after having a week's break, saying planning for such a tournament is very difficult.

"It (schedule) is what is. We have to deal with what we are presented with the schedule. We are very keen to play though it's little odd to have a full week break and then have nine games in next 21 days.

"But it's very difficult for administrators to schedule everyone consistently. Everyone had a little quiet and busy periods. We had our quiet period now we can feel that the tournament really begins," said Gilchrist.Asked what's different in IPL 4, Gilchrist quipped, "Lalit Modi not here ... That's the only difference I can say (smiles). Though, I don't think so there is anything cricketwise."

His side's top order have been the bulk of scoring so far and Gilchrist said that is a healthy sign.

"Other than our first game where we were all bowled out very quickly, it's been the top three of us getting the lion's share of runs and had the greatest opportunity. It's not a big concern. In a 14 game tournament everybody will get a chance. And it's not a bad complain to have when your top three are getting too many runs."

Gilchrist praised promising Paul Valthaty for his work ethic, saying, "He is a very level headed young man. He is very keen to continue to learn. He is not real rookie, he is not 20 or 21. He is 27 and has been around a bit. But he is still looking to learn.

"I think he is enjoying being given a little bit of belief and encouragement and that's what we try to do with any of our players."

Gilchrist said the IPL gives an opportunity to the youngsters but it's up to them to take it to the next level through hard work and dedication.

Asked about Swapnil Asnodkar and Manish Pandey who excelled in previous editions but yet to sparkle this season, Gilchrist said, "I don't know what their work ethics like in terms of training and fitness. This is an opportunity to get you a leg up but it does not lift you up to instant success. It's an opportunity and then it's up to the individuals to capitalise on it. They need to work very hard.

"There is no easy way to get to the top. It's commitment to your training. physical conditions and a lot of sacrifices need to be made."