Gambhir insists 'top-placed' KKR not taking any game for granted

After claiming a seven-run win over Kings XI Punjab in their Indian Premier League (IPL) clash last evening , Kolkata Knight Riders skipper Gautam Gambhir has insisted his side will not take any game for granted despite climbing up to the top in the point table.

The skipper (70) shared a huge 101-run partnership with Robin Uthappa (54) to propel his side to the target of 165 runs against Murali Vijay's side.

In reply, Kings XI failed to counter the hosts' bowling attack and were restricted to 157 runs in their stipulated 20 overs at the Eden Gardens here.

Delighted by his side's overall performance, Gambhir pointed out it is really important for the entire team to contribute if they want to be on the winning side in this tournament.

"I think if you want to go a long way in the tournament, you need to chip in as a team. Couple of players can't win you the tournament. They can only win you few games. If you want to become a champion side then everyone has to chip in and do their job, and that is what we are trying to do. I think our middle order has been in decent form. Hopefully, it can take a lot of pressure off from us. Last year's experience was a big learning for us.We are not taking any game for granted.Every game is important. We would try and finish at the top," Gambhir said.

"We were used to this wicket. And then obviously the way we batted, we thought we were very professional. Especially coming from Bangalore, where we won high scoring game. We thought that start was very important. I still thought that we were 10 runs short the way we started. But obviously it is a difficult wicket where one can score," he added.

Andre Russell claimed a four-wicket haul while Piyush Chawla and Morne Morkel shared three wickets between themselves to hand Knight Riders with the win.

34-year-old Gambhir, however, insisted that there is still a room for improvement in his bowling department.

"The way bowlers bowl 165 in this kind of wicket, I still thought we have to work hard. And the way they started especially Russell, Morkel. I think wickets up front were very important," he added.

With this win, Knight Riders have now climbed to the top of the point table, having six wins from nine games they have played so far.

They will next lock horns with Gujarat Lions at the same venue on Sunday.