The next 9 days will decide whether DD can make a turnaround or not: Zaheer Khan

Former Indian pacer and the current mentor and captain of the Delhi Daredevils outfit in IPL, Zaheer Khan has said that the next 9 days in the tournament might well be the make or break for the underachievers of the tournament. After losing the opening match to RCB, DD made a strong comeback with consecutive victories but again lost the plot with 3 defeats on a trot.

With 4 losses in 6 games, Delhi is languishing in the 7^th position in the points table and unless they make a dramatic turnaround they might be looking down the barrel. In the next 9 days, Delhi will be playing as many as 5 matches in the next 9 days and it will be evident from their performance whether they have a chance to qualify for the playoffs or not.

“We need a winning momentum. In the next nine days, we are playing five matches. It is a very important phase. If we can string a winning momentum in this phase, things will change by May 6,” Zaheer was quoted as saying by News World India.in ahead of their clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders tomorrow at the Eden Gardens.

“It’s very important that we look at this phase as nine days rather than just tomorrow’s game. Next nine days will define the season for us,” the veteran pacer added. Zaheer also conceded that the loss to KKR earlier in the tournament from an advantageous position won’t matter to them at all. “Loss to KKR is not a physiological setback. We have not played that many games in the tournament,” Zaheer said.

The left-arm seamer revealed that Mohammed Shami was fully fit but it is due to the team combination that he has been missing out from the Playing XI. “He is absolutely fit. Nothing is wrong with him. There are so many big players not getting a chance. Shami has done so well for India and will continue doing so. Sometimes you get caught up with team combination,” he said.

Zaheer also conceded that the young brigade in the team is just sensational and he is backing them to perform at the business end of the tournament. “If we could have converted two wins out of those close games, the same looking at the team would have changed,” the left-arm seamer quipped.

“Overall the potential we have as a unit is amazing. We have got some amazing young talent and it just needs little bit of confidence and that does come with winning. These five games are very crucial for our campaign. I’m confident our guys will deliver when it matters,” he further added.

Speaking of tomorrow’s game Zaheer said, KKR is a dangerous opposition and loves chasing so it will be a tough ask for them to beat them in their own den. It’s a very good challenge. They have been good chasing and batting really well.

“KKR are a stable side. They have won few tournaments as well. Someone like Gautam Gambhir is a good leader. He has got his plans sorted. As a team, they look very stable,” Zaheer signed off.