IPL 8: India will have to wait longer for Zaheer Khan, Mohammed Shami to feature in tournament
New Delhi: Veteran pace bowler Zaheer Khan's fitness issue has come under scanner since the time he joined Delhi Daredevils training session ahead of the IPL cricket tournament and the franchise said that he along with colleague Mohammed Shami are still not fit for selection.
The franchise issued a press release which states that the pace duo is nursing "minor injuries". While 36 and half years old Zaheer, who has not bowled a single delivery in competitive cricket since last May (incidentally in an IPL game), is said to be recuperating from a "niggle", Shami is reportedly nursing a "minor knee injury".
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For the record, Shami has been troubled by a dodgy knee throughout the World Cup despite his lion-hearted performances. In fact, he was rested for a group league match against UAE due to the same knee injury.
(Photo: AP)
"Zaheer has a niggle, but is progressing well and should be available for selection once the medical team has assessed him. Right-arm fast bowler Shami has a minor knee injury and is consulting a specialist to chart a quick recovery process," the DD release stated.
When a DD support staff was asked, he said that they are expecting Zaheer to be fit by Delhi's fifth match in the tournament while the timeframe for Shami's comeback is not yet known.
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Delhi Daredevils head coach Gary Kirsten was confident that the pair, when fit, will strengthen the bowling resources. "We look forward to the return of Zaheer and Shami to the playing XI. Thus far the bowling unit has stood up well and made the most of the opportunities. The most pleasing aspect of our bowling has been the performance of the spinners and the younger fast bowlers," team's chief coach Gary Kirsten was quoted as saying in a press release. Delhi Daredevils' next match will be in Pune against Kings XI Punjab on April 15.
