Selecting bowlers for Tests on the basis of their IPL performance is definitely not a good idea, feels the legendary Zaheer Khan, who is all set to captain the Delhi Daredevils side this IPL.
The 37-year-old legendary seamer, who has 311 Test and 282 ODI wickets, made his mind clear that bowlers for Test cricket should be selected in accordance to the conditions and opposition.
“I think the selection has to be made format wise. T20 format is very much different from ODIs. Similarly, ODIs are different from Tests. When you consider a player for T20 format, it should be based on his T20 performances only,” said Zaheer.
Zaheer, who would be playing his last IPL, said that four overs in T20 are completely different from bowling “18 overs a day” in Test match scenario.
“For higher level selection, it all depends on the kind of series we are playing. If it’s a Test series we have to look at bowlers differently. It is completely different from bowling four overs in T20. In Tests, a bowler needs to bowl 18 overs a day. Also, he needs to look for wickets unlike in T20s where you look to be more economical.”
On his one-time colleague Nehra
Speaking of his one-time colleague Ashish Nehra, Zaheer said that Nehra’s performance has been a revelation. He also added that his former new ball partner’s show has motivated him to keep training. However, watching Nehra make an international comeback at 37, Zaheer, one of the finest executioners of reverse swing, said that he doesn’t regret his decision to retire.
“I was very clear about walking away from international cricket. I am just happy to play this form of cricket. You kind of give it back while guiding the youngsters. This is something that I enjoy,” said Zaheer.
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