Poor decision-making has led to dismal state: KXIP coach Bangar

Kolkata, May 8 (IANS) After managing just two wins from 10 Indian Premier League (IPL) encounters and languishing at the bottom of the points table, Kings XI Punjab head coach Sanjay Bangar believes the lack of decision-making under pressure has put them in such a dismal state.

Asked why the last year's runners-up have had a low-key tournament in this edition, Bangar on Friday said: "It is difficult to pin point why, you look at the preparations of the players, you look at their mindset and try and monitor the things. 

"But those have been consistent, however, the line between success and failure is very very slim. There have been occasions wherein the decision making under pressure has been found wanting probably that could be one of the reasons."

Ahead of their match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), the coach stressed on the fact that his side desperately needs some momentum in order to bow out of the tournament with some respect.

"We are badly in need of some momentum. We did not really enjoy that at the start of the tournament which is maybe one of the reasons why the performances have been that inconsistent," he said.

However, the 42-year-old also believes it will be difficult staging a comeback after their dreadful 138-run loss against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Wednesday.

"It is very difficult (making a comeback). There's a lot to play for, pride being one of the top most things and definitely we have been quiet so far. But we are bound to hurt someone in a big way and I hope it too happen sometime soon," he said.

Bangar added the Knights have been a very consistent outfit but also warned of an upset on Saturday at the Eden Gardens.

"KKR have been a very consistent team, led well by their captain, good mix of spinners and fast bowlers. We are well aware of their strengths. 

They are in a good position in the points table but as I said, we are going to hit some team badly, who knows it might be tomorrow," he said.

Also referring to his batsmen, Bangar said they are "well suited" to tackle the Knights' spinner who have so far been able to cast a web on the visiting team.