Zaheer Khan : Is he the right answer to India's pace bowling vows 

As Zaheer Khan ran into bowl against Kenya in the first match of the ICC Knockout Tournament, one could feel that this man had some talent. His run up and action was a bit reminiscent of Sri Lankan spearhead Chaminda Vaas and his pace was something of new sight to the Indian fan who has been tired of watching one medium pacer and the other being thrashed by the other teams. What was striking was the ease at which he was bowling and the temperament that he had. His Yorkers were too good for the batsmen and he was a perfect foil for Agarkar and Prasad. Though it is very early to pass a judgment on him as his real test would be against the Australians who are masters of playing pace bowling but we can only hope that even if he goes for runs, he should be given a lot of opportunities and should be nurtured. He should not meet the same fate as Ankola did, as not only was he given a break much later than he should have, but also he was not given ample opportunity.

Indian selectors must look towards the future and look for more young players. Zaheer Khan seems to be a good find and all he needs is proper guidance and lot of experience. He might fail also but at least he won’t have any complaints. Someone who has an eye for detail would realize that he has potential and he needs grooming. Indian team has been fairing rather poorly in the past few years and their fans trust has gone down considerably. To restore some faith in them, the board and the team should be focused in their approach and give the right break to the deserving candidate. Lets hope some sense will prevail into them and things will change for the better.

Zaheer-the Baroda Bouncer!!! 
The young Indian Pace sensation

After a very long time, India has produced a fast bowler who has made an indelible impression in his very first Tournament. Cricket lovers all over the country were unable to react when they first heard the name ‘Zaheer Khan’. But suddenly his name has become the hot property – thanks to his spectacular performance in the first two matches of the ICC knockout trophy.

In his first match against the lowly rated Kenya, Zaheer showed that he is capable of bowling quality stuff. His spell of 48 for 3 in ten overs was a good start, if not great. Especially in the slog overs, he spitted venom, when he yorked M. Sheikh and Hitesh Modi for ducks.

Even former West Indian fast bowler Colin Croft was greatly impressed and spoke highly about him. Croft also suggested that Zaheer should observe Wasim Akram minutely to improve his skills.

The left arm quick bowler term is a rarity in India and the emergence of Zaheer Khan is nothing short of a miracle. He is not only quick but also accurate. At times, his deliveries are even quicker than Srinath’s. It is being said that he is perhaps the best product from the MRF Pace Academy.

In a big match against the formidable Aussies, he wasn’t over-awed by the enormity of the occasion. In fact, he bowled a nagging line in his first spell and got rid of the pugnacious Adam Gilchrist. But the most incredible moment came when he greeted Australian Captain Steve Waugh with a nasty bouncer. Even Waugh was flummoxed by the unusual ‘agro’ shown by the Indian pacer. Zaheer clean bowled Waugh and thus ended the possibility of Australian come back, if any.

Of course, his performance was over shadowed by the over whelming display by another team-mate Yuvraj Singh, yet his contribution was not an inch lesser. Zaheer was the most economical bowler from the Indian camp.

Zaheer seems to be a fine prospect and one hopes that he will serve India with distinction in the coming years.