I am not a ‘super captain’: Zaheer Khan

After losing their opening game to Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Daredevils have been on an impressive run winning five matches with the sole loss coming from a margin of one run. The brains behind this turnaround have been former India team-mates Zaheer Khan and Rahul Dravid. In an interaction with on Wednesday, Zaheer opened up about the Delhi side’s change in fortunes.

“I am doing what I have been doing all these years. Just giving shape to plans and tactics that have the support of Rahul Dravid. The focus is on doing the basics right. It sounds easy, but is tough to achieve. You have to go with the game and take instant decisions on the field. If you succeed, you become a leader. If not, there are brickbats.

“I am not (a super captain). I am doing what I did in Tests and one-dayers. Some field placings come across as unorthodox, but they depend on the comfort level of the bowler. We may have plans but they have to be executed too. I am actually lucky to have the bowling attack that is able to execute the plans. That has been the key for the team,” Zaheer observed in a chat with The Hindu on Wednesday.

The left-arm pacer, who played 17 T20Is for India, is the only bowler-captain in this edition of the IPL, and he said that the challenges of the T20 game are giving him an opportunity to lead from the front.

“I enjoy being out there. T20 format is ideal for people like me. The dynamics of high pressure have always appealed to me and I have thrived when faced with tough situations. The match intensity is less in T20 because I have to bowl four overs. In Tests, it is 18 overs a day. I feel T20 is less strenuous but the travelling is very hectic. In terms of workload, it is chalk and cheese,” Zaheer said.

When asked about T20 being a batsmen’s game, the former Indian fast-bowler acknowledged the fact and stressed that it is up to the bowlers to innovate in the shortest format.

“The assessment by analysts makes it tough. You have to create the wicket-taking opportunity, create the angles, bowl the conducive lengths, look to reverse, watch the feet movement of the batsman, make the best of the new and old ball, not relenting one moment. And then the joy of taking a wicket makes it a fascinating experience,” the 37-year-old told the Hindu.

Apart from the team’s remarkable run, Zaheer has also been in good form with the ball picking seven wickets in seven matches at an economy rate of 8.33.

“I am glad I have not been a burden. I left international cricket when I knew there was still cricket left in me. It was very hard to say goodbye. Looking back, it was the right thing to do. I retain the fire,” Zaheer said.