Fast bowlers will learn from Zaheer’s presence: Jadeja
Zaheer Khan’s appointment as India’s bowling coach has come as a huge relief for the team’s bowling unit.
The bowling coach’s job was lying vacant since Bharat Arun’s services were discontinued after Anil Kumble was preferred over Ravi Shastri as Team India’s head coach last year. Under Kumble’s one-year tenure, the legendary spinner doubled up as the team’s bowling coach.
On Tuesday, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) finally filled up vacancy while Shastri returned to the Indian team’s fold as the head coach this time.
Ravindra Jadeja, the world’s No 1 bowler and No 2 all-rounder in Test cricket, felt Zaheer’s inputs will help the bowlers. “Zaheer has a lot of experience. Our fast bowlers will definitely benefit from his presence, especially overseas, where he has so much experience,” Jadeja said on the sidelines of a contest on Wednesday.
“The good thing is that whatever new experience is added to the team, it is good for us. Hopefully, whoever new comes in the team, they will share their experiences and we will get to learn from them. Cricket is such a sport that you get to learn something from someone every day. I will also try to learn from their experiences by talking to them,” he added when asked about Shastri’s appointment.
Rahul Dravid, who is the India U-19 and India ‘A’ team coach, has been given additional responsibility of consultant when the Indian team travels overseas.
Jadeja did not appear flummoxed when his views were sought on the run out of Hardik Pandya in the ICC Champions Trophy final.
Jadeja received a lot of flak for after running out his in-form partner Pandya, who was threatening to take the game away from Pakistan at one stage. Jadeja did not respond to a run and the Indian duo were in involved in a major mix up that ended Pandya’s entertaining 43-ball 76 while chasing Pakistan’s mammoth 338/4.
“The true followers of cricket, ones who understand the game, they know this is a part of cricket. It happens in the game. No one does it intentionally. Everyone wants to play for the country, everyone has their own dreams. Run outs happen in cricket. I don’t think about it too much. Critics can say what they want. They change their views after every series. I don’t play for them,” said Jadeja.