‘I WILL ALWAYS BE CONNECTED TO THE GAME’

ExIndia pacer Zaheer Khan says that at some stage, he might take up cricket coaching; adds Harbhajan was possibly the biggest prankster in the earlier team

It has been almost three years since he retired from international cricket, but Zaheer Khan admits that his eyes still light up when he spots a swinging ball. “Yes, there are still those phases during which the game excites you,” says the former India pacer. “If the ball is swinging or if a fast bowler executes a reverse swing well, I instantly get excited. Also, at times, what thrills me is the sheer planning — what we call a set-up in cricketing terms — to get a wicket. When I see a bowler executing that to perfection, I still get chuffed,” he says. What does he miss the most about not playing for India? Besides the euphoria, Zaheer says that he misses all the fun that he had when he wore the India colours. So, who was the biggest prankster? “I think Harbhajan Singh was probably right up there,” he says. “Yuvraj (Singh) and Bhajji were the biggest pranksters.” He adds, “Even Sachin (Tendulkar) used to join the gang. He was no less (laughs). Sachin also had that side, so, he’d always participate in those kinds of things or, at least, make sure that these guys (Yuvraj, Harbhajan etc) were given the right kind of atmosphere (laughs).”

At the same time, Zaheer says, the team also had the likes of VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid; the latter was “very serious”. Like Dravid, did Zaheer himself have a stern image, we ask. “I think you should ask other team members,” he replies with a smile. “Sure, I was serious about the game and everything that came with it, but apart from that, I too had a lighter side. But, probably, it was never noticed by others.”

Talking of Dravid, after retirement, he has been doing a great job as a coach with Under-19 and ‘A’ teams. Asked if Zaheer might also want to do some coaching, he says, “Well, I’d love to do that at some point, but I haven’t really planned anything as yet.” He further explains, “Be it me playing for India or reaching several milestones, great things have happened in my career — but I’ve predominantly been just going with the flow. So, at some stage, maybe yes (I’ll take up coaching). But right now, I’m happy with what I’m doing in terms of staying connected with the game.”

The former cricketer, who is married to Chak De! India actor Sagarika Ghatge, says that he’d “surely remain connected” to the sport in some way or the other. “I’ll always do something that’s connected to the game. Even when I’m doing commentary stints and talking about cricket, I’m staying connected with cricket, right? So, I’ll always be open to different kind of roles (around cricket),” he says.

Sure, I was serious about the game and everything that came with it. But apart from that, I too had a lighter side. But, probably, it was never noticed by others.

ZAHEER KHAN FORMER CRICKETER