Zak ready for SA challenge

Mumbai: It is natural for a sportsman to be elated with the news of his return to the national fold but for veteran speedster Zaheer Khan, his recall to the national side is more about personal satisfaction. After being dropped for the fourth Test against England last year, the veteran bowler sat down and mulled over his next move even if it meant saying goodbye to the gruelling Test format.

When convinced he wanted to continue, he chalked out a plan to get his ageing body back in shape. After spending the off-season in France and South Africa, the recently turned 35-year-old returned leaner and fitter.

With his fitness issue no more a weak link, the seasoned bowler got back to bowling long spells in the Ranji Trophy and retuned with 13 wickets at an average of 19.84 in three games.

After pulling out all stops, Zaheer is finally ready to return with a bang. Named in the 17-member squad for two-match Test series in South Africa, he said he is up for a challenge. “I have ironed out things which I felt were pulling me back. I am ready to take on the challenge,“ he asserted.

The Mumbai captain said he had a plan in mind and stuck to it. “When I was dropped from the team the first question was whether I want to stage a comeback. Once it was a yes, I devised a strategy to make a come back. I did everything possible to make sure that I am there.” He said he was mentally strong but had to work on his fitness. “Mentally there was no problem. It was important that I kept believing in myself, my abilities and keep on going.

“Physical aspect was a big thing and I had to tackle that. In consultation with lot of physios and trainers I worked hard and so far it has worked.” Zaheer said he trained with Adrian le Roux in Bloemfontein as a part of his comeback trail.

“Adrian is someone I have worked with when he was with the Indian team. We had the rapport and I knew the credibility he had.

“We had planned all this during the IPL —that I would do the strengthening and conditioning phase straightaway and join him for the cricketing skills at Bloemfontein."

Zaheer will play in Mumbai’s upcoming Ranji game against Vidharbha from Nov. 28. “I have always believed that match practice is the best. It will be good to get some overs under the belt.”