CAPE TOWN, April 20: Accolades from opponents is the biggest prize a team can hope for and Deccan Chargers will be heartened by the fact they received their highest praise from KKR skipper Brendon McCullum who said at the post-match media interaction that they were never allowed to settle into the game. Excerpts:

On the loss: A target of 102 was never going to test a high-calibre team like Deccan Chargers. They were too good for us today. It was a bad day for us and it was difficult to cope with them after the bad start we had. They were outstanding today and unless you are allowed to be a part of the game you can never force the issue. They did not give us a chance.

On the captaincy issue and its effect: I have a great working relationship with Sourav Ganguly. In fact I am lucky to have the support of three good leaders in Sourav, Gayle and Hodge. The Indian players in the team look up to Sourav for inspiration and it works well for the team. We played poorly but the team is enthusiastic, and we are a united lot.

On batting first: It looked a good wicket to bat. And even if you ask me now I would have still liked to bat first. Fidel Edwards and R.P. Singh used the conditions extremely well. Once the top order missed out it was always going to be a struggle.

On the multiple captains theory: Well it would certainly helped today (laughs). In any format the seniors in the team come up with their inputs. A healthy discussion is always good for the side. I have some of the best players in the team whom I can take advice from.