Who would have thought that a fast bowler from India would emerge as the most successful bowler overseas? India as a country was famous for its spinners claiming wicket both in the Indian grounds as also in the overseas venues. Zaheer Khan has now changed it.
A left arm swing bowler, with an athletic built from the time he made his debut in 2000 but during the last one year he has become the spearhead of the Indian bowling department. Whenever the red cherry is handed over to him, he has provided the break through. Last two year has indeed been very lucky for him. He was conferred with the award of Wisden Cricketer of the year in 2008, and he seems to have carried on his form in 2009.
In the
current India-New Zealand series, if India has been able to defeat New Zealand and is on the verge of clinching a series win, monumental contribution for the same has been owing to Zaheer Khan's performance. He has apart from being a mean customer with the bowl, has been rather miserly in giving his wicket away. As a matter of fact the Indian tail that has started wagging for quite a longtime owes more to the contribution of Zaheer Khan than anything else.
He is now monk-like in his appearance, reminding one of Jet Lee in his various performances, without showing display of any emotions till the time the ball has been delivered and then exuberant with joy, with a feeling on his face conveying that he knows he would get his victim. When a bowler reaches this stage, it is his real moment, the acme of his career.
A bowler who was able to capitalize on the wind at Napier more effectively than any other New Zealand bowler speaks volumes about the preparation that he is undertaking in execution of his job. Every bowl that he bowls is a study in contrast, talking to him, and setting the scenario. No wonder, the scalps are coming with methodical precision.
After being dropped from the Indian team, and making a comeback Zaheer has felt the need for mentoring his junior colleagues Ishant Sharma and Munaf Patel so that they do not meet the same fate.
