We have put 'slap-gate' episode behind us, says Rajput

Mumbai, May 1 (UNI) The Mumbai Indians have put the slap-gate episode, involving off spinner Harbhajan Singh and S Sreesanth, behind them and are concentrating on contionuing the winning momentum they have got through their first win in the Indian Premier League against the Kolkata Knight Riders, said their coach Lalchand Rajput here today.

''We have left it behind us. As you have seen in the previous match, the energy level of the team was high. They want to win the matches by focusing on cricket,'' said the former India opener, who too was fined 50 per cent of his match fees by the IPL authorities following the episode.

Harbhajan led the team in the first three games before being booted out of the tournament for slapping India teammate and King's XI (Punjab) bowler S Sreesanth after the third tie. Since then, Shaun Pollock took over the captaincy mantle, with Sachin Tendulkar yet to recover from his groin injury.

Rajput felt that the team would now focus on maintaining the momentum achieved after winning against Kolkata Knight Riders two days ago at the Eden Gardens, their maiden victory in the Twenty20 league after four straight losses.

''When the starts are not good, the end is generally better. The important thing is gelling together of the team. There are many games left. We have just started winning and the momentum will keep us going,'' he added.

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