Zaheer determined to make India comeback

Cricket365
June 30, 2014

Veteran India fast bowler Zaheer Khan may be nearly 36, and struggling with a back injury, but he is not yet ready to give up on returning to the national side and is working hard towards a comeback.

Khan injured his back while playing in the IPL in May, and is thus not in the squad to play against England. He is looking to make a comeback in the Champions League T20 though, to show that his variety and experience trumps raw young pace.

Zaheer told Cricinfo: "Ultimately what you show in the wickets column and how you have created an impact on the game is what matters. To me it does not matter what pace I'm bowling at.

"If I am able to create that impact where things are going my way, the conditions are suiting me and I'm able to take three wickets in a seven-over spell that is what I look for."

"Pace has never been the most important criteria for me. Obviously you cannot be bowling at 125kph, but if I am able to bowl at 135 with variations and control over line and length it is equivalent to bowling as quick as 140kph.

"I have focused on speed-up variations: if I am bowling at an average speed of 131-133kph suddenly I spike it to 138kph the odd ball it has proved crucial."

While he last played a Test in February this year and has a realistic hope of a return there, he has not played limited-over cricket for India since 2012. When asked if he'd want to play in the World Cup next year, he deflected.

He added: "I am open to it. World Cup is a special tournament and it is everyone's dream to be part of the Indian team. But it is still a long way away.

"Right now, if you ask me am I fit to bowl? I am not. Things will unfold for me. Champions LeagueTwenty20 is the first step towards proving I am fit and top of my game."