Zaheer set for World Twenty20

Updated on: 27 May,2009 08:47 AM IST |
Amol Karhadkar |

Doubts may have been raised about Zaheer Khan's fitness for the World Twenty20, starting on June 5 in England, but it is reliably learnt that the paceman will be spearheading India's bowling attack in their quest to defend the title.

Zaheer, who injured his bowling shoulder while bowling for the Mumbai Indians against the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League on May 3, returned from South Africa late last night.

When MiD DAY approached him for a comment on the speculative reports about his availability for the Twenty20 extravaganza in England, all he said before leaving the Chhatrapati Shivaji Internationa Airport was: "I am not talking (to the media about World T20 participation)."

It was also learnt that Zaheer had stayed back in South Africa to work with specialists on strenghthening his shoulder muscles.

Zaheer, like many fast bowlers, has had an injury-marred career this far. However, over the last 18 months, the bowler had remained injury-free.
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In fact, before heading to South Africa for the IPL, Zaheer had told MiD DAY: "Injury is the last thing on my mind right now."

However, the shoulder injury surfaced at a time when Zaheer was looking to be in his best form after a somewhat scratchy beginning in South Arica.

The BCCI is expected to make an official announcement on Zaheer's departure to England today.

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