New Delhi: Indian team management’s fascination for a left-arm pacer in their ranks is well-known but the country’s best ever practitioner of the trade Zaheer Khan said Wednesday that one shouldn’t go ‘crazy or overboard’ if the bowler in question is not ready for the challenge.
In the past few years, India have tried a number of left-arm fast bowlers, including Barinder Sran and Jaydev Unadkat, the latest being Mohammed Khaleel, who has been dropped after an indifferent series in New Zealand.
“If you have that variation (left-armer’s), it’s certainly an advantage but you don’t have to go crazy about trying to find a left-armer. It is all about contributing to team’s cause. Left-arm pacers are natural talent and you don’t have control over when you will get one,” said Zaheer.
Khaleel looked completely out of depth in New Zealand, where conditions were conducive for swing bowling and the veteran of 95 Tests said that the youngster has some catching up to do.
“Yes, the length that (Khaleel bowled) was on the shorter side for sure. In conditions, where there is help for swing bowling, you have to get the ball right up there (pitch it up) and these are things the bowler has to learn at this level,” pointed out Zaheer.
However, Zaheer is confident that Khaleel could learn a thing or two from teammate Jasprit Bumrah, who has made rapid strides in international cricket.
“For Khaleel, it’s still early days in his career. Talent-wise, he is there but at this level, it’s all about how quickly you can learn and adapt to pressures of international cricket. Look at Bumrah and how he has evolved as a bowler and you get a comparison,” Zaheer stated.
“Bumrah has learnt a lot and is always adding new things to his armoury, which is very important and bowlers like Khaleel need to take inspiration from. Spend more time with Bumrah, ask him questions,” added the man who finished with 300-plus Test wickets.
But the biggest advantage for Khaleel, according to Zaheer is that there is good support system in the Indian team, which allows him to get proper guidance.
The former Indian pacer is happy that India now have a proper pack of speed merchants, who can share each other’s burden in tough conditions.
“When the burden is shared, it’s always comfortable isn’t it? You will get results for sure,” he added.
PTI