Gilchrist hails 'Mr. Dependable' Rohit

Dharamsala:

Back in the semi-final race after Friday's win over Kings XI Punjab, Deccan Chargers skipper Adam Gilchrist heaped praise on Rohit Sharma, calling him 'Mr Dependable'.

"He has been our Mr Reliable. People sometimes criticise him but whenever chips are down, Rohit comes up and delivers. He has been doing it consistently over the years," said Gilchrist, after Rohit's unbeaten 68 guided the Chargers to a five-wicket triumph.

Gilchrist said despite set a stiff target of 175 on an unpredictable pitch, he never felt it was beyond reach.

"We definitely felt we were in it despite them putting on 170. It was coming onto the bat nicely, it was a beautiful track. Besides, this is a small ground," he said.

This was the Chargers' fourth successive win and asked what was the secret of their revival Gilchrist aid, "I don't think I'm doing a lot right, but the team is doing great."

Like Gilchrist, Rohit too said he never thought 175 was an unattainable target.

"We knew the ground was small, and the track was good to bat on. I stayed till the end and delivered when chips were down. That is my job in the side and I'm happy we won," said Rohit, who was adjudged Man of the Match.

Punjab skipper Kumar Sangakkara, meanwhile, was upset at losing the match despite posting a good score.

"We bowled too many half-tracker at crucial times, and they batted pretty well too. We batted extremely well too," said the Sri Lankan.

Sangakkara was impressed by the picturesque stadium and said, "Dharamsala is an ideal venue to hold more cricket, the people are lovely and supportive."