Hyderabad captain Adam Gilchrist was pleased that his team had posted their first points in the third edition of the IPL against a "strong" Chennai.

Hyderabad turned in a clinical all-round performance in Chennai, first piling on a formidable 190 for four, thanks to solid performances from Andrew Symonds (50) and Herschelle Gibbs (45) before restricting the Super Kings to 159 for nine.

The champions had lost their opening game to the Kolkata Knight Riders after dominating much of that contest, but Gilchrist was pleased with the way his team bounced back.

"This is a fantastic all-round performance and a really big win to get the momentum going and get some points on the board," he said.

"The Chennai team is a very strong team and every time you get a wicket you find the next guy who walks in has a power game and can take the game away from you.

"Credit to Gibbs and Symonds, they really showed the wealth of experience that they have.

"They took their time, didn't panic and showed their maturity at the end of the innings."

Gilchrist revealed there was pressure carrying the tag of being the defending champions.

"I don't think it comes into the mindset and that's because the schedule is so hectic," Gilchrist said.

"I guess tonight's game really didn't get tight, but normally you don't have the time to sit and ponder on the past.

"Obviously we will think about last year and try to replicate the things we did well, but usually it's off and running and everyone is in the race."

Chennai skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni was not unduly worried with the loss, but admitted his team could have done better.

"I think we played too many big shots too early and that happens in a Twenty20 game because you have 190 to get off only 120 deliveries," he said.

"We could have taken a little time to get settled in, but this is the first game of the tournament for us and the guys digressed a bit from their roles.

"It's not worrying, but we could have done better and we have the players to do it.

"I think we should have restricted them to 170-175 and the last two overs were particularly expensive.

"Those 20-odd runs which we gave away in the last two overs really makes a difference in this format.

"We are doing well in practice, but we need to carry that form into the matches."