Half-fit Zaheer can still play the mentor

It was quite symbolic that the man who had a question mark over his fitness till the 11th hour was the last to board the team bus...

It was quite symbolic that the man who had a question mark over his fitness till the 11th hour was the last to board the team bus on Friday.

Even though Zaheer Khan flew out with the Indian team for the World Twenty20,it wasnt clear as to how much if at all his bowling arm that got injured during the Indian Premier League had healed.

When asked about the fitness status of his pace spearhead,Team India captain Mahendra Singh Dhonis reply was ominous. He is likely to be fit for the second or third game, said Dhoni. That India are playing their second game of the tournament on June 10 means Zaheer,for the moment,is still some way from being match fit.

With no word from the Indian board with regard to Zaheers injury,it only added to the confusion. Those in the know say Zaheer needs to spent time at the gym to strengthen the muscle group of his bowling arm and being with the team will help him. With the physio and trainer around,his rehab will be smooth, said a BCCI official.

There is another school of thought that suggests the team management was keen on having Zaheer in the ranks as he happens to be one of the few seniors in the squad. Besides,Zaheer of late has played the role of a mentor for the young pacers in the side. So,even if he doesnt play,his advice could be of big help to Ishant Sharma and Praveen Kumar the two pacers who havent played a game in England so far.

The last time India toured England,Zaheer not only bowled to a devastating effect,he also played a huge role in RP Singhs highly-successful outing in the three-Test series. The team management would be hoping his impact rubs off on the other pacers as well this time around.