close_game
close_game

Waiting game pays off for Zaheer

None | ByAtreyo Mukhopadhyay, Kolkata
Oct 31, 2006 01:11 AM IST

He lost his status of being a frontline bowler in the Indian pace attack after marching his way to stardom in the 2000, writes A Mukhopadhyay.

Even in the time of ODIs, cricket continues to be a game of patience. There are thrills on the big stage but just off it, some play the waiting game and still get rewarded.

HT Image
HT Image

Zaheer Khan is a good example. He lost his status of being a frontline bowler in the Indian pace attack rather dramatically after marching his way to stardom in the 2000 version of the Champions Trophy.

But keen to make the most of what must be the last few years of his career as an international cricketer, Zaheer (28), has worked hard on his fitness, which was questioned after the tour of Pakistan in February.

He said to HT during the Irani Trophy match in Nagpur earlier this month and that was interesting because not too many in the Indian cricket fraternity take uneasy questions objectively.

After checking his progress by playing for Worcestershire, he got a chance to impress the India selectors at the Challenger Trophy in Chennai. A trimmer Zaheer showed some rustiness there but the match in Nagpur just after that saw him bowl with some purpose.

Used in short spells by Rest of India skipper Wasim Jaffer, Zaheer played a big role in his team’s win over Uttar Pradesh.

Although he was not exactly incisive and continued to look a lot slower, Zaheer was rewarded for his consistency. He was landing the ball in the right area and playing the waiting game. Now that his wait his over, he must make this chance count because the likes of L Balaji, Ashish Nehra and a few others are also playing a similar waiting game.

Get Current Updates on India News, Weather Today, Latest News, Delhi Election 2025 and Delhi Exit Poll 2025 Live at Hindustan Times.
See More
Get Current Updates on India News, Weather Today, Latest News, Delhi Election 2025 and Delhi Exit Poll 2025 Live at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Sunday, February 09, 2025
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On