Deccan Chargers skipper Adam Gilchrist was a relieved man on Saturday. After all his side’s six-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings has kept their chances alive in the competition.

'We're still in the mix now. We are improving our performances though I wouldn't say we are at our best. If we can secure some wins by not playing at our best, it's a good sign,' said Gilchrist.

However, the Aussie great was more baffled by CSK excluding Muttiah Muralitharan. 'Murali would have been extremely difficult to play on that wicket. I was a bit surprised not to see his name on the team sheet,' Gilchrist said.

While Gilly would have been pleased not to have the Lankan wizard around, CSK skipper MS Dhoni stood by his decision.

'Murali couldn't have bowled better than Ashwin, the man who replaced him. Our pacers, Dougie (Bollinger) and Thushara (Thilan), have bowled well. Murali is a great bowler but he should fit into the side. Other departments aren't doing well. Murali couldn't have taken all 10 wickets. It's not about the best XI, it's about the best combination,' Dhoni said.