The Hindu : Zaheer: ever grateful to his mentors

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Oct 16, 2002

Sport

Sport - Cricket

Zaheer: ever grateful to his mentors

By S. Dinakar

Javagal Srinath (right) giving some tips to Zaheer Khan during their workout session in Chennai on Tuesday. — Photo: N. Sridharan.

CHENNAI Oct. 15. Even in the hectic, combative and rather unforgiving world of top-flight cricket, there's a place for some special bonds... stringing together careers, taking the protagonists and the events with them, throwing up wonderful tales.

There they were, Javagal Srinath and Zaheer Khan, discussing the finer aspects of their trade, under the hot afternoon sun at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. Srinath, very much the wizened senior professional, and Zaheer, a willing listener.

It's a story that goes back to 1999, when Indian Airlines took on MRF in a KSCA Diamond Jubilee encounter in Bangalore. So impressed was Srinath with a fiery left-arm paceman that he soon spoke to the chairman of the National selection panel, Chandu Borde, about the arrival of a young, bright prospect. Zaheer Khan was well on his way.

And Srinath's gesture occupies a firm place in Zaheer Khan's memory. "I bowled well in that game, and from then on, he was keen on seeing me in the side, was encouraging me. It is great to have Srinath around. He quit early from Tests, and I am happy he has changed his mind. We were not experienced enough, and receiving tips from a senior bowler like Srinath was a big help. Things like how to prepare for a tour."

Ask Srinath about Zaheer and pat comes the reply— "He's a ten-year material. I think the authorities should preserve him keeping this in mind. He's a fine bowler. What I like most in his bowling is his upright action and the seam position."

And the Karnataka bowler must be delighted with the success of Zaheer over the last six months, with the left-armer emerging the pick in the Indian pace pack. It was his spell with an old ball in the West Indian first innings on a slow Wankhede pitch that swung things around for India in the first Test, and he did bowl quite beautifully, changing his pace, sending down off-cutters, achieving reverse swing.

"Sourav was trying to save me for Carl Hooper and basically we wanted to give him a couple of short pitched deliveries. I was ready to try to a few things in that spell since the wicket was not helpful. It worked for me. I got Carl on the hook. I deceived Ridley Jacobs with a slower one," Zaheer said in an exclusive chat with The Hindu on Tuesday. Chris Gayle and Ryan Hinds were the other victims as Zaheer scalped four.

He was an exceptional performer in the ICC Champions Trophy as well with Ganguly cleverly using him in three to four bursts. "I bowled my second spells well in the NatWest Trophy also, but in Colombo I was able to strike with the new ball, and that was most satisfying."

The conditions were demanding in the hot and humid West Indies, but he operated aggressively and tirelessly, and was on the job in England too. "It is important to bowl consistently well, and not just look at the rewards. They will come. I am now working on swinging the ball into the right-hander, that would add to my variety.''

It is a leaner, meaner and fitter Zaheer that we are witnessing these days, and here the paceman acknowledges the role of fitness trainer Adrian Le Roux.

And he hasn't forgotten Aussie golden great Dennis Lillee's part in moulding him. "I joined the MRF Pace Foundation in '98. Learning from him was a great experience, a great honour for me. It really boosted my confidence and my motivational levels."

Among the valuable lessons that Zaheer has carried with him in his rather demanding journey is this: remember those who have helped you.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Sport