Dravid still backs Zaheer

Bangalore, August 14: India vice-captain Rahul Dravid today gave a thumbs-up to injured speedster Zaheer Khan, saying that the left-armer is "very critical and important" for Indian cricket in the long run. "Zaheer is very critical for us in the long term," Dravid said, when asked if the team would miss him in the three one-day tournaments that are lined up. "The selectors have to make a decision on whether they want to look at him from a short-term goal or from a long-term," he told reporters here on the sidelines of a function.

A not-fully-fit Zaheer was not picked by the selectors earlier this month for the Videocon Cup in Holland (August 21-28), NatWest Challenge in England (September 1-5) and ICC Champions Trophy in England (September 20 to 25). "Zaheer worked really hard this season. Unfortunately, he has had a few injuries. But, hopefully, he will have some time off, get stronger and fitter. Everyone accepts that a fit Zaheer is very important to Indian cricket in the long run."

When a reporter said Zaheer was injured "most of the time", Dravid said it's unfair to make such a comment. Fast bowling is not easy and a lot of bowlers get injured, he said, citing the case of Australian bowler Brett Lee, who had been out of action for five months. The nature and demand of fast bowling is such that it puts pressure on the body. It's a question of "maintaining and managing". "Some people (who don't get injured) are luckier than most," Dravid added. (Agencies) 

Published: Sunday, August 15, 2004

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