IPL 2016: Zaheer Khan unsure about cricketing future

One of the finest left-arm seamers India has ever produced, the charismatic Zaheer Khan showed his leadership abilities in the IPL 2016 when he led a new-look Delhi Daredevils side this season. The fast bowler impressed everyone with some of his tactical moves and turned back the clock too with some intelligent bowling displays. Though he couldn’t inspire his side to the playoffs, it can be said that his astute leadership has surely become one of the highlights of the tournament. Reminiscing his stint as the captain, Zaheer spoke about the season after the game but preferred to keep silent on his future.

The 37-year-old veteran bowler, who announced his retirement from international cricket in October last year, performed well with the ball too in the 9th edition of the IPL. He picked up 10 wickets in 12 matches and brought back memories of his heydays when he used to masterfully plot a batsman’s downfall. The Delhi team which preferred to trust the youngsters this season gave the mantle of the captaincy to the man who has been known to be a good mentor for the youngsters.

As Zaheer looked back at the season that ended on a dismal note despite showing good promise at the beginning, he said, "(It) has been a wonderful campaign. We've been playing good cricket.”

Still uncertain about future

He also pointed out, "With this kind of side, we have given a tough time to all sides. Happy with the way things have panned out for us.”

Talking about the match that they lost to RCB, Zaheer praised his counterpart Virat Kohli who continued his rich vein of form to score yet another fifty in the IPL 2016, “160 would have been dependable. When someone like Virat is there, he is so good at absorbing pressure. In a way, we felt one knock, one partnership was critical here. Couldn't get going but these things happen.”

At one stage in the tournament, the Delhi Daredevils looked certain to reach the playoffs as they were playing some great cricket. Somehow they lost the plot in the end as they squandered the golden opportunity to finish inside the top four.

However, the skipper sounded quite optimistic about his team as he said, “the team has young guys and odd days will be like this. We have given them the freedom. One partnership was critical and we couldn't get going in that. A big game this was, pressure game.”

When asked about his future in the post-match presentation ceremony, Zaheer said, "I haven't really thought about it (my future). Have enjoyed my time with the youngsters and trying to pass my knowledge to them. Still enjoying and will see."

Earlier, when Zaheer called it quits from the international cricket he dropped a hint that this might be his last season in the IPL as well. "I look forward to signing off my last season in domestic cricket at the conclusion of the Indian Premier League season 9," he had said in the statement that also announced his retirement.

The veteran seamer can be used as a mentor for the emerging Indian fast bowlers who find it hard to adapt to the different formats. Maybe, he can become the bowling coach of the Indian cricket team in future as suggested by eminent cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle.