By Venkatesh Prasad
Zaheer Khan’s inclusion in the Indian Test squad for the away series against South Africa is indeed welcome.
I have read a lot about his improved fitness and no doubt the selectors would have taken it into account. His selection only proves that there is no substitute for experience.
Given the rawness in the Indian pace attack, Zaheer will undoubtedly play a leadership role.
Lads like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohd Shami will really enjoy working with Zaheer and get to know quickly the intricacies of bowling in different conditions.
That said, for Ishant Sharma, the next most experienced bowler after Zaheer, the series will be a litmus test.
Ishant should have been leading the attack by now but somehow he has failed to deliver.
This may be his last chance to prove himself and he cannot ask for a better opportunity, given the pacer friendly conditions in SA.
Before the Indian team embark for South Africa, there is the final ODI against the West Indies to deal with. With the series tied 1-1, there is everything to play for. This West Indies side has played below potential but the upset win in Vishakapatnam has given them the chance to go back with some pride and silverware.
They will have to first get past Virat Kohli. The man is in the form of his life. His success doesn’t surprise me one bit.
Having watched him from close quarters for a while now, I put down his tremendous run to the right channelization of his aggression.
He was always an aggressive player but he has over time learnt to control the aggression, making him a very dangerous entity. It’s all about maturity and he is now a mature young man ready for more and more success.
What Virat has done best is to imbibe the lessons well.
He now understands the match situation and conditions to perfection and makes his plans accordingly. Which is why, as I said earlier, the mountain of runs coming his way, doesn’t surprise me.