India fast bowler Zaheer Khan's
inclusion in the Test squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa
marked
the end of his year-long exile from the team. But for Zaheer, the
primary question had been whether he wanted to go through the arduous
process of trying to make a comeback, rather than how to go about it.
"Last year, I sat down and I was thinking about exactly how to get back.
Firstly, if I wanted to make a comeback, that was the biggest question
for me," Zaheer said on the sidelines of Mumbai's training session ahead
of their Ranji Trophy match against Vidarbha on Thursday. "When the
answer was yes, I chalked out the strategy that was exactly needed and I
did everything to make sure I was there. Obviously, the physical aspect
was the big thing and I had to tackle that. And then in consultation
with a lot of trainers and physios, I chalked out a plan and so far it
has worked."
Zaheer's latest comeback to the Test squad is different from his
previous ones. Seldom has he been dropped on form during a long
international career that began in 2000. However, his poor performances
against England at home in December last year and his lack of
match-fitness resulted in him being axed from the team.
After being injured for most of IPL 2013, Zaheer travelled to France for a strenuous fitness stint
with trainer Tim Exeter. He followed that up by training with former
India trainer Adrian le Roux in Bloemfontein, before returning home and
putting in a big performance for the India A team in the two unofficial
Tests against West Indies A. Zaheer said that it was those games,
particularly the one in Hubli, that helped him regain his confidence.
"It's been a slow progress right from Shimoga. When I went to Shimoga, I
knew that I need some overs under my belt," he said. "I didn't want
anything to happen suddenly. I was kind of progressing slowly but
surely," Zaheer said. "As I bowled a few overs in that particular game,
slowly things started picking up. I've always believed in match practice
being the best practice. The spell that I bowled in Hubli towards the
end of the game gave me a lot of confidence and from then I just picked
it up."
Zaheer also played three Ranji matches, including one against a strong
Delhi batting unit, to try out different variations and prove his
fitness to the selectors. "It was more to do with getting in that zone
as far as matches are concerned. Once I had overs under my belt I was
comfortable being on the field.
"I was feeling that the recovery in between the spells was spot on. I
was able to recover between the spells and come next day. So those were
the things I was looking at. As far as Test matches are concerned, not
only do you have to put in the effort on day one, but the important
thing is you have to come back the following day and make sure you are
there from ball one."
Zaheer's stint in France also made him want to start a fitness centre in
India on the lines of Exeter's set-up. "I have planned to start
something so that lot of people get benefited. I had the privilege to go
abroad, I could afford to go and do those things. But I feel in India
you need a set-up like that in terms of physiotherapy and fitness, so
hopefully instead of giving you a lowdown, I can give you the real
thing."
His immediate goal, however, is to excel on the field and mentor India's
young seamers. "That comes naturally for me. If I can help someone, I
don't hesitate to go up to him and say what I feel. Being a bowler in
the subcontinent is not an easy task. It's about just backing yourself
and believing that. That thought process is very important when playing
in the subcontinent."
Zaheer said he was looking forward to the upcoming series in South
Africa, where he has fond memories. On India's previous tour there,
Zaheer returned to the team after a groin strain and contributed to a Test victory in Durban.
Source: http://www.espncricinfo.com/india/content/story/693535.html
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