It was a bad day at office: Zaheer

The new-look Daredevils, who are yet to go past the last four stage in IPL’s eight seasons, slumped to their seventh sub-100 total after being skittled out for 98, a target the Knight Riders overwhelmed with consummate ease in 14.1 overs at Eden Gardens on Sunday night. But Zaheer said it would be wrong to write the Daredevils off in the tournament that had just begun. 

“Well, I’m smiling. I know it’s been a tough day out there for us but it was just one bad day. It’s just the beginning of the season, and I hope things will come along. Good things are in store,” Zaheer said. 

“It’s a long tournament and I’m sure every team will have a bad day. It does happen sometimes. Hopefully for us that day is out of the way and we’re looking ahead for the remaining league matches. “We will stay together and turn things around. It’s going to be a long season, it’s too early to think about anything,” he maintained. 

The Daredevils batting department failed to last the distance as they were bowled out in 17.4 overs. But Zaheer backed his underfire batting unit to come good. “I’m just happy with the way the boys have carried themselves on the field. 

The way the bowlers showed intent of taking wickets,” he said. “I’m very very happy with the energy and intensity showed by the boys on the field. This is how we’re going to approach the season. This is a young team. This energy is we’re looking at this format. 

We will create opportunities.” To the surprise of many, the DD ignored Imran Tahir and JP Duminy but Zaheer said he is happy with the combination.