New Delhi: Coach Rahul Dravid has hailed Zaheer Khan's fitness, and promised to utilise the former India pacer's experience to the fullest during Delhi Daredevils' Indian Premier League (IPL) campaign this season.
The 38-year-old left-arm seamer was impressive in his limited outing last season, and earned kudos for his exceptional handling of the team. Dravid, who had shared many memorable moments with Khan as India players in their heydays, admitted the fact that his former team-mate is on the wrong side of 30, and was aware of the challenges associated with ageing bowlers.
“Zak was brilliant for us both on and off the field as skipper. He has led really well. And we were really eager to get him this season and even though it can be a challenge since he has not been playing competitive cricket, I am glad and credit to him that he agreed to work on his fitness and stay fit and come back this season,” Cricketnext quoted Dravid as saying.
But the coach was also aware of the tremendous possibilities a veteran player can bring to a young team which has lost two of its star players in Jean-Paul Duminy and Quinton de Kock. The talented South African pair will not be taking part in the IPL 10. Khan will partner with Indian pacer Mohammed Shami.
“We have a lot of youngsters in the team and that is where we needed Zaheer as he brings in that knowledge and sense of calm in the dressing room and you need that when you are playing a tournament like the IPL. Also, a lot of the youngsters look up to Zaheer as he is an inspiration,” Dravid added.
Khan retired in October 2015 from international cricket. He had played 92 Tests, 200 ODIs and 17 T20Is for India, taking 311, 282 and 17 wickets respectively in a celebrated career.
He has so far played 89 IPL matches, taking 92 wickets for teams. He was previously with Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians.
