Mumbai: Mumbai Indians' Zaheer Khan is set to return to action against Rajasthan Royals in the DLF-IPL III league match at the Brabourne Stadium on Saturday. The left-arm seamer bowled only six overs in the second innings against South Africa at Kolkata because of a muscle tear.
On Wednesday (March 10th), speaking to the media he said, “We will try to focus on our strengths and play accordingly. All the teams are balanced and it's a tough tournament. But Mumbai Indians will pay attention to its own goals.''
Excerpts Form the Interview
Did you have to get the all clear signal from the NCA and the BCCI to play in IPL III?
I had a few sessions with the NCA physios in Mumbai. It was not a serious injury. It was important that I did not aggravate it.
It was probably a Grade I muscle tear of the quadricep. I knew it was not serious, it was just frustrating because I could not bowl much in the second innings of the Kolkata Test against South Africa.
So it was not a scare after having gone through the ankle and shoulder injuries in the last three years?
I have dealt with bigger injuries. I was not worried about this. All I had to do was put in the required work to be fit again.
You have played in two IPLs. What is the difference bowling in a 50-over and 20-over game?
If you see the last auction, a lot of teams were going for genuine fast bowlers because I guess everyone feels the importance of fast bowlers bowling upfront in Twenty20. A good bowler can increase the chances of early breakthroughs which restricts opponents from getting off to a good start. With the first six overs Power Play it is important to get early wickets.
Your comments on the two-and-a-half minute new Strategic Time Out for the fielding team in between the 6th and 8th overs
It's good that the captain has the option. It's interesting and we will see how it goes for the teams. We have to get used to the breaks in between.
If you look at the last IPL, there was a chance of getting a wicket after every STO break. Several teams lost a wicket or two after the break taken immediately after the 10th over. It worked well in favour of the fielding side and changed the momentum of the game.
Now it's in the hands of the captain as to when he wants to take that break. Twenty20brings in different dynamics, actually rushing through the overs in particular.
You have a new opening partner in Lasith Malinga?
I played with him in the last IPL. I had to opt out of the competition half way through because of an injury. It was good bowling in tandem with him.
The first six overs are very crucial. It's good to have someone like him and improve the chances of getting an early breakthrough.
Mumbai Indians targeted Kieron Pollard at the auction.
He's really developed and everyone is recognising him. He is a hard hitter of the ball and a genuine talent. I am looking forward to meeting him in person and playing with him.
Is the IPL III going to see focussed performance from all players in order to catch the attention of the franchises who will have to select a fresh team for IPL IV?
I guess every IPL is important because one wants his team to do well and end up on the winning side. As a cricketer I am just looking at it as an important tournament.
I want me and my team to do well. As cricketers we just look to perform and make use of all the opportunities.
Will you risk playing the initial 14 league matches?
I love playing cricket; injuries are part and parcel of the game. I enjoy all formats of the game. Well, I am thinking of playing 16 (semifinal and final).
On Wednesday (March 10th), speaking to the media he said, “We will try to focus on our strengths and play accordingly. All the teams are balanced and it's a tough tournament. But Mumbai Indians will pay attention to its own goals.''
Excerpts Form the Interview
Did you have to get the all clear signal from the NCA and the BCCI to play in IPL III?
I had a few sessions with the NCA physios in Mumbai. It was not a serious injury. It was important that I did not aggravate it.
It was probably a Grade I muscle tear of the quadricep. I knew it was not serious, it was just frustrating because I could not bowl much in the second innings of the Kolkata Test against South Africa.
So it was not a scare after having gone through the ankle and shoulder injuries in the last three years?
I have dealt with bigger injuries. I was not worried about this. All I had to do was put in the required work to be fit again.
You have played in two IPLs. What is the difference bowling in a 50-over and 20-over game?
If you see the last auction, a lot of teams were going for genuine fast bowlers because I guess everyone feels the importance of fast bowlers bowling upfront in Twenty20. A good bowler can increase the chances of early breakthroughs which restricts opponents from getting off to a good start. With the first six overs Power Play it is important to get early wickets.
Your comments on the two-and-a-half minute new Strategic Time Out for the fielding team in between the 6th and 8th overs
It's good that the captain has the option. It's interesting and we will see how it goes for the teams. We have to get used to the breaks in between.
If you look at the last IPL, there was a chance of getting a wicket after every STO break. Several teams lost a wicket or two after the break taken immediately after the 10th over. It worked well in favour of the fielding side and changed the momentum of the game.
Now it's in the hands of the captain as to when he wants to take that break. Twenty20brings in different dynamics, actually rushing through the overs in particular.
You have a new opening partner in Lasith Malinga?
I played with him in the last IPL. I had to opt out of the competition half way through because of an injury. It was good bowling in tandem with him.
The first six overs are very crucial. It's good to have someone like him and improve the chances of getting an early breakthrough.
Mumbai Indians targeted Kieron Pollard at the auction.
He's really developed and everyone is recognising him. He is a hard hitter of the ball and a genuine talent. I am looking forward to meeting him in person and playing with him.
Is the IPL III going to see focussed performance from all players in order to catch the attention of the franchises who will have to select a fresh team for IPL IV?
I guess every IPL is important because one wants his team to do well and end up on the winning side. As a cricketer I am just looking at it as an important tournament.
I want me and my team to do well. As cricketers we just look to perform and make use of all the opportunities.
Will you risk playing the initial 14 league matches?
I love playing cricket; injuries are part and parcel of the game. I enjoy all formats of the game. Well, I am thinking of playing 16 (semifinal and final).
