Zaheer Khan praises Gautam Gambhir's leadership quality
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Delhi Daredevils skipper Zaheer Khan has heaped praise on former India teammate and Kolkata Knight Riders’ skipper Gautam Gambhir and said that his leadership qualities helped his team big time. The pacer has also reserved praise for his team, saying the side’s potential is amazing.
Kolkata extended their unbeaten run at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune as Robin Uthappa and Gautam Gambhir made short work of what seemed like a steep chase after Pune had piled on 182 for 5 on Wednesday. Gambhir led from the front and anchored the run chase with 62 runs off 46 balls, so much so, that Zaheer couldn’t resist himself from praising his former India teammate.
Zaheer said, “They have been good at chasing, batting really well. They have built the side over the past few years and in that time, won a few tournaments. That helps. Their plans look sorted. And in Gautam Gambhir, they have a good leader,” reported The Telegraph.
Delhi Daredevils, despite possessing one of the most potent pace attacks in the league, sit at the bottom of the eight-team table, with just two wins and four points against their name. Their match against Kolkata will mark the start of a frenetic nine days during which Delhi will play five games and Zaheer believes that this will decide if his side can make a solid push for the playoffs.
“It is important to look at matches in bunches. That’s exactly the key. We have not played as many matches as others. I am confident this group will deliver when it matters.
“We need a winning momentum. We are playing five matches in the next nine days. It’s an important phase
Because of injuries to a few crucial batsmen, Delhi
“The kind of potential we have as a unit is amazing,” Zaheer said. “It just needs a little bit of confidence. It comes with winning. I have no doubt this team will deliver the goods when it matters. These five games are crucial, not just tomorrow.”
Mohammed Shami has played just played just one match thus far, so questions have started to raise about his fitness. But putting that presumption to bed, Zaheer said: "He is absolutely fit. Nothing's wrong with him.
"The thing is, there are so many big players in the IPL who don't get too many games. Sometimes you get caught up with the team combination. Shami has done so well for India and will continue to do so."
