Zaheer Khan happy with team’s ‘intent’

Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan began in his new role as skipper of the Delhi Daredevils with a terrible loss against the Kolkata Knight Riders. However, the 37-year old made the decision to focus on the positives despite the horrendous display. The daredevils were bowled out by the Knight Riders for a score under 100, thus conceding a 9-wicket win to Gautam Gambhir and co.

“First, two overs we were 23 so we had the start,” Zaheer said after the game. “But it does happen, you do get caught up in that moment. KKR bowlers held it together and hit the right areas. And then it was just about dealing with pressure. These things happen.

“As a bowler, I’m happy to see this kind of wicket. You have to give credit where it’s deserved. Sometimes you do get caught up in the T20 format and that’s what happens to bat first. You are always chasing that big number. These things can happen, nothing wrong in that.

“I really felt the boys showed the intent on the field that was required. That’s how we want to see Delhi Daredevils as a unit, out there fighting hard on the field. Scores are going to come. I have full faith in our batsmen and the preparation. It’s just the beginning of the season, hope good things are going to come. It was a tough day for us and we accept that and move on.”

Zaheer Khan added that he was trying too much with his variations, thus making his comeback an expensive one. However, he also added that he was proud of the intensity is shown by his side.

“As I said in the post-match presentation, I was trying a bit too much. You learn every day. I was on the field after a long time. Having a low total on the board, as a bowler, you try too much so I was looking for that extra swing for the left-hander which I was not getting. But overall, happy to be out there.

“Been a tough day, but I’m very happy and proud of the boys’ intensity and energy. That’s how we’re going to approach the season and that energy is what we’re looking for. It’s a young team and we’re going to create opportunities and are going to have that approach in this format,” he added.

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