Strategy breaks can help shift momentum: Zaheer Khan

Left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan, a vital cog in the Mumbai Indians’ line-up, believes fast bowlers have an important role to play in Twenty20 cricket.

The 31-year-old speedster, who suffered a Grade I tear in his quadriceps and had to miss the One-day series against South Africa, is raring to go after warming up during the training sessions and practice games ahead of the third edition of the Indian Premier League.

“Fast bowling is important in Twenty20. If you look at the last auction as well, all the teams were going for genuine fast bowlers because everyone realised the importance of fast bowlers during the Powerplay,” Zaheer said on Wednesday.

“A quality fast bowler can definitely increase the chances of giving the team an early breakthrough, which definitely restricts opponents from getting off to a flyer. The first six overs of the Powerplay rule is very important for the bowling side. A breakthrough can really get the bowling side back in the game,” Zaheer added.

The 72-Test veteran had injured himself during the second Test against South Africa in Kolkata. “I had a few sessions with physios of the National Cricket Academy here in Mumbai. It was a blessing in disguise because my brother was getting married and he was happy that I was home and was with my family. It was not a serious injury but it was important that I did not aggravate it further. It was a Grade I tear in the quadriceps.”

Zaheer, who is the bowling captain of the Indian team, is enjoying his new role as a vice-captain of the Mumbai Indians. “I am enjoying the responsibility. I am at a stage in my career where I look forward to something new and this is something new,” he added.

The fast bowler also said he was happy with the two-and-a-half minute strategy break, which the bowling captain can call for between the sixth and eighth over.

“It helps to change the momentum because sometimes the batting team is going after the bowlers and the break helps. Twenty20 cricket is so dynamic and the teams are rushing between the overs. A two-and-half minute break will help to regroup,” Zaheer said.