Black and grey, a tale of two bowlers

His bowling average has shot up to 43, his wickets dried up to just 34 off 26 one-dayers. Pathan’s bad days haven’t gone away. Form may be temporary and class may be permanent. But for Pathan it is becoming increasingly difficult to support that theory. He has, however, excelled with the bat, and as Dravid insists, one good outing on the Caribbean pitches may still bring the best out of the 23-year-old.

Fitness, is another issue that the southpaw has to deal with. The niggling shoulder had been a bother, and then he had to prove himself in a Deodhar Trophy match. Fingers remain crossed about him.

Zaheer Khan

Has this left-arm speedster ever bowled better? Any debate on this will show that Zaheer is at the top now. For a man always reviewed, and reminded of the yorker he’d pitched to dismiss Steve Waugh, he has finally come of age.

Maybe the break from the Indian team, or the County trip to Worcestershire or even some secret sermon from an ex-fast bowler, Zaheer’s got that zing back. In six matches this year he has bagged 11 wickets, his first five-wicket haul, at an economy rate of 4.49, his lowest. In 2006 the bowler had been given a long break after a couple of poor outings on the tour of Pakistan. Called back for the tour of South Africa, he claimed six wickets in four one-dayers.

More, Zaheer has regained his rhythm. In an interview to The Indian Express, he had explained how he had altered his pace and stride in the run-up finally feeling at home with the game.

Given the expectations he’s raised ahead of the World Cup, Zaheer has maintained that he is in the right frame of mind and physique to deliver.