'KKR loss in last game will be an advantage' - news cricketnext

Royal Challengers Bangalore pacer Zaheer Khan said Kolkata Knight Riders' loss in their last match would be an "advantage" for his team when two sides clash in an IPL match on Friday.

   After winning against Kochi Tuskers Kerala, the Bangalore outfit suffered three consecutive losses and lies ninth in the IPL standings.

"I feel the table is open. You have seen big teams losing to teams that we have never thought of. KKR lost their last game which is going to be an advantage for us. If we beat them tomorrow it will be really good for us to go forward," Zaheer said.

"We all know that few games have not gone our way. But we are confident, we have worked hard in the nets. Once you get the momentum, it's about capitalising on that."

"It's just few fine tuning that's needed as far as game our game is concerned. We need some wins under our belt. Gayle's inclusion will definitely add positivity to the environment."

Zaheer said Bangalore have worked hard on their fielding and the players were looking to get into the winning mode.

"In the last few practice sessions, we have done good work. Everyone is up for it. Everyone in the side wants to get into the winning run as soon as possible. That's a good sign."

Asked about the hectic schedule after the World Cup, Zaheer said: "IPL is about 20 overs. It's not hard to keep intensity up for 20 overs.

"With our World Cup success, we are all excited and it feels something special. We are now back and doing what we do best."

Zaheer said he was looking forward to giving his side a couple of early wickets.

"I've always given emphasis on early breakthrough... So it will be nice if I get not just one but a couple of early wickets.

"Personally I think on this track we have not seen big scores so that's a good sign for bowlers. As far as reverse swing is concerned, it's difficult to get it in Twenty20 with the ball being hard."