Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan expressed his concern over the increasing number of injuries among fast bowlers in the game. Speaking at a media interaction organized by Jio Cinema, Zaheer highlighted the prolonged absence of Jasprit Bumrah and the injury woes faced by Deepak Chahar and Prasidh Krishna.
Zaheer admitted his bewilderment at the situation, stating that it goes beyond just the bowlers as even batsmen are experiencing serious injuries. He believes there is something going wrong in terms of their training, rest-to-recovery ratios, and overall approach to the season. While he couldn’t pinpoint a single reason, he emphasized the need for careful evaluation of these factors.
However, Zaheer expressed his satisfaction with the performances of Mohammad Shami and Mohammed Siraj in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). He praised their simplicity and the example they set for other bowlers by not getting overwhelmed by the format.
Responding to concerns about their workload ahead of the World Test Championship final against Australia, Zaheer emphasized the importance of bowling for bowlers. He suggested that the workload in T20 cricket is manageable, but in Test matches, bowlers need to prepare for bowling 18-20 high-intensity overs in a day.
Zaheer also criticized the way Sunrisers Hyderabad handled young pacer Umran Malik during the IPL, highlighting the importance of creating the right environment and support for young talents.
Regarding his role with the Mumbai Indians franchise, Zaheer acknowledged the challenges they faced due to the absence of strike bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer. He praised the team’s batting performances but pointed out the lack of experience in the bowling lineup. Zaheer highlighted the impressive performance of Piyush Chawla, who took on the responsibility of a senior bowler and provided valuable experience to the team.
In conclusion, Zaheer Khan’s insights shed light on the concerns surrounding the injuries faced by fast bowlers and the challenges faced by the Mumbai Indians in the IPL. His observations emphasize the need for a holistic approach to training, workload management, and the importance of experience in a team’s bowling lineup.