Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Not part of the Indias World T20 winning team in South Africa in 2007,left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan is expected to be the defending champions trump card in the 2009 edition of the tournament in England. After playing for Bangalore in last years IPL,Zaheer is happy to be back home in Mumbai for this edition. He spoke to The Indian Express on Friday about his form,his injuries and his teams chances. Excerpts:
On playing Twenty20:
amp;149; I enjoyed Twenty20 cricket right from the start. Im not,by any stretch of the imagination,a reluctant T20 player.
On the golden run since 2006:
amp;149; Without doubt this is the best phase of my life. I have enjoyed a lot of success of late. I have worked really hard and I want to keep the rhythm going for as long as possible. The challenge is to keep the good form going.
On frequent injuries early in his career:
amp;149; It was really frustrating. I would be bowling well,and then suddenly get injured. The initial part of my career was a struggle. But Im happy to tide over it,Im now keeping myself match fit at all time. Im managing my body better and I dont to take a break from training when Im doing well.
On being seen as one of the worlds best fast bowlers:
amp;149; Im very flattered by the compliment. It feels good to be regarded as the best and also get compared to someone like Wasim Akram. Along with these comparisons,comes responsibility,and I really enjoy being the main strike bowler for the team. I just hope I can live up to everyones expectations.
On playing against Dhoni and other Team India players in the IPL:
amp;149; Its a lot of fun. They have problems trying to play me,and similarly I have problems bowling to them because we guys know each other so well.
On Mumbais chances of winning the IPL:
amp;149; We have a good chance. Weve got a balanced side,with Sachin Tendulkar and Sanath Jayasuriya the most dangerous pair and a deep batting line-up. With me and Lasith Malinga leading with the new ball,and Harbhajan to follow,we have a bowling that can defend any total.
