Calcutta: They missed a win in their inaugural IPL-IV match against Chennai Super Kings by a whisker, but Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) coach Dav Whatmore is not a worried man.

“Rather lose first and get on winning later than the other way round,” is what he had to say on the eve of the hosts’ clash against Deccan Chargers.

The Knight Riders are already over the loss, and are looking forward to the game on Monday, Whatmore said.

“The last match for us is history. We have learnt from the mistakes made in the last match. Beginning on a new note. There is no reason why we shouldn’t have many good results here on home turf and elsewhere,” he said.

Whatmore expressed confidence in his team’s preparations. Asked if the World Cup caused any problem for the team to settle down, he said: “World Cup, too, is cricket at the end of the day. The preparation is the same for everyone… Those who have had the normal preparation time, and also those who did not have that… We are looking forward to a great time.”

Whatmore exuded confidence about Gautam Gambhir, the new KKR captain.

“Gautam has been with us for a few days. But, he is already with the team. He is one guy who leads from the front.

“We expect him to contribute with the bat. He will definitely do great. Everyone in the team is having a good time, enjoying his leadership,” he said.

In the same vein, the coach dismissed any possibility of ex-captain Saurav Ganguly’s absence being a factor in the team’s performance.

“Not really. We have a great group of players. More than happy to be with the current bunch… Very competitive and skilful… We will have a very good season.”

Talking about Gambhir batting lower down the order, Whatmore said: “In this format of the game, you need to be flexible, and think of new and different plan of action. On the hindsight, yes, he should have come one or two places up. But, in T20s we have to take decisions along the game.”

Ishant Sharma, who had donned the KKR colours in the previous three seasons, will be seen using his pace against them on Monday. Whatmore said he did not see much difference in the new Deccan Chargers appointee. He, however, was not ready to take the pacer lightly.

“I watched him (Ishant) a little bit (during his last match). He had a very good first three overs. Unfortunately, the fourth was not that good. Not much has changed in his bowling.

“I am sure he is here to prove a point and would want to do very well,” he said.

On the Eden wicket, Whatmore said: “It looks pretty good. The team has practiced here for the last three weeks. So, the boys are familiar with the conditions. ”