Javagal Srinath recommends Zaheer Khan for 2015 World Cup

Javagal Srinath feels Zaheer Khan should be included in India’s ODI squad for 2015 World Cup

Normally, former Indian Pace Bowler Javagal Srinath does not issue statements every now and then. So whenever he says something, people do pay attention to it.

This time he has recommended Zaheer Khan’s name for the Indian Squad of 2015 World Cup.

“Zaheer is a top class bowler. If he has the desire, resolve and the strength to deliver, he is an automatic choice. One needs to dig deep and see whether Zaheer has that kind of passion to continue and if wants 2015 as a parting shot then he should be allowed to do that,” a PTI report quoted him as saying.

Zaheer was the joint highest wicket-taker for India’s victorious run in 2011 World Cup, but has struggled with fitness and form since then.

Srinath also praised the current set of pacers. “Mohammad Shami is a good bowler. Even Bhuvneshwar Kumar is shaping up well. Ishant Sharma is looking to be back on track. He is bowling consistently well. He has shown tremendous improvement since his comeback a year ago.”

The pacer who was himself recalled by then-captain Sourav Ganguly for 2003 World Cup, where he led India’s attack alongside Zaheer, stressed upon the need for pacers to adapt to all formats. “For a fast bowler it is important to see success in all formats of the game. The problem is that fast bowlers struggle in the T20 format and that benefit has gone to the batsmen,” he said.

Zaheer made a return to the Test side recently and it remains to be seen whether MS Dhoni and co. would include the ageing speedster for the title defence next year.