IPL injury woes: Zaheer Khan's body gives in, again

Zaheer Khan’s attempt at a comeback ended rather tamely after about 40 minutes of practice, divided equally between stretching and bowling. With his left leg strapped, he hurried into a makeshift tent soon after. And noticing that the media was watching, he immediately drew the curtains.

Zaheer Khan’s attempt at a comeback ended rather tamely after about 40 minutes of practice, divided equally between stretching and bowling. With his left leg strapped, he hurried into a makeshift tent soon after. And noticing that the media was watching, he immediately drew the curtains.

That was it. Delhi Daredevils skipper JP Duminy was of little help, saying ‘I don’t know the status of the injury’; the great ailment of not disclosing the status of injuries continued.

Zaheer is not the first one who seems to be winding down his career with the IPL. Glenn McGrath did the same at the Delhi Daredevils years ago and wasn’t even persisted with towards the end.

Others like Ricky Ponting played the IPL going into retirement while the likes of Ashish Nehra have showed that there is life beyond the national team.

Bowling coach Shane Bond showed no desperation to play Zaheer. Delhi seem to have accepted the fact that a 100% fit Zaheer wouldn’t be available for them.

The Daredevils, facing Mumbai Indians on Thursday, are already missing pace ace Mohammed Shami and the grassy, batting friendly-wicket that is so different from the usual Kotla track will again pose a challenge for them against the formidable batting line-up of the visitors.