Injured Gilchrist to miss match against RCB

Already reeling under three defeats, Kings XI Punjab on Thursday suffered another blow after skipper Adam Gilchrist was ruled out of the IPL match against Royal Challengers Bangalore due to a hamstring injury.

"I will not be available for tomorrow's match. There is a slight (hamstring) tear," the 40-year-old Australian said on the eve of Friday's match.

Gilchrist pulled a hamstring while running a single and was retired hurt during the match against Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday, which the Punjab outfit lost by eight wickets.

He said that he had undergone a scan, which has revealed a hamstring tear.

"We will wait for further detailed results," Gilchrist said, adding he would keep everyone updated on his injury status.

"There is nothing to hide. I won't be playing tomorrow."

In Gilchrist's absence, David Hussey will lead the side.

Stating that while any sort of injury to any player can be frustrating and disappointing, Gilchrist said it throws up an opportunity for someone else.

Gilchrist said that Shaun Marsh is the best batsman in this format with plenty of talent and should lend strength to the team's batting, which is struggling at the moment.

Their bowling, too, has not looked lethal and on Friday they will be up against the likes of Chris Gayle, Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and Saurabh Tiwary of Bangalore.

Gilchrist blamed the batsmen for the team's failure in the tournament so far.

Kings XI Punjab have managed to win just two out of the five matches.

Gilchrist, however, refused to hold the Indian cricketers, particularly the domestic players, responsible for Punjab's dismal show.

"They are certainly a talented bunch," said Gilchrist, citing examples of Mandeep Singh, Paras Dogra and Piyush Chawla.

"They have got more than adequate talent to be successful at this level. That's the beauty of IPL. Year after year it has created a window of opportunity for these players and has thrown up some unexpected talents," he added.

Gilchrist insisted that the team is learning from the mistakes.

"I am sure we are learning from our frustrations and mistakes previously made and that's all part of the journey of cricket," he said.

Asked if, in his place, the former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood would to included for tomorrow's tie, Gilchrist said, "He is definitely a look-in."

But Gilchrist also claimed that at this stage he would not be able to say for certain if Mahmood, who recently got a multi-city visa, will be picked in the playing XI.

The swashbuckler Chris Gayle's devastating form must be a cause of immense worry for Punjab but Gilchrist said that the West Indian will start afresh.

"Every game is a fresh start. They are a strong, all-round team. They are a confident team and our challenge is to do what we are doing well," he said.