Momentum can go a long way when built says Zaheer Khan

Three-quarter into the game, it almost looked like the Gujarat Lions would pick a rare victory defending a total, after a brilliant first inning score. Gujarat Lions’ bowling and horrendous fielding, despite Jadeja and Raina’s valiant attempt in the field, gave the match away to the Delhi Daredevils. The Lions’ fielders let go of as many as four boundaries during the Daredevils mammoth chase of 196.

Daredevils began the hunt in a rather unconvincing fashion with the loss of two quick wickets up front. Rishabh Pant’s dismissal was a bizarre and a foolish one, with the batsman not aware of his crease while the ball was picked up by Suresh Raina. The chase almost seemed to be a Herculean task for the Daredevils after they lost half of their side before they put up a good score on the board. Iyer’s highest score in the Indian Premier League was more than enough to hand the Daredevils to a double over the Lions.

Zaheer Khan was an immensely proud captain after the chase, and so was Rahul Dravid, who was seen jumping in joy after the incredible heist by the Daredevils. Zaheer appreciated the efforts of the youngster and assured that Indian batting is in safe hands.

“We had so many close games. It feels really good to fall on the right side. It’s understandable, we are out of the tournament and the energy was a bit low. As professionals, we need to move on,” said Zaheer in the post-match presentation ceremony.

“We held the game really well and Shreyas was outstanding. You have to take these things in stride and just keep working harder and keep getting better,” he said.

Despite the fact that the Daredevils hold no chance to reach the playoffs, the bowler wants his side to bow out of the tournament with heads held high.

“We have two more games. We want to win both the games and finish off on a high. It’s not one thing which kind of doesn’t go well. As a team everything has to come right. IPL is such a hectic tournament. You can’t lose the momentum. If you build it, it will go a long way. Four close games, had it gone our way, things would’ve been different. We have to think hard if not for this season, at least for the next season for sure.”

Next up, the Daredevils are facing the side inform Rising Pune Supergiant on May 12 and the struggling Royal Challengers Bangalore at home for one last time this season on May 14.