 Zaheer Khan is in for another long break from international cricket, as he goes
into rehabilitation to recover from the shoulder injury he is currently suffering
from. Zaheer has undergone a major shoulder surgery in South Africa, but it isn't
sure as to what the recovery period for the same is.
And so, it has been said that not only will Zaheer Khan miss the tri-nation
series in Sri Lanka - with New Zealand as the third team - but could also end
up missing the Champions Trophy. There is a school of thought which says that
Zaheer may not be fit for the seven ODI series against Australia that will follow
the Champions Trophy.
The root cause of the injury was when Zaheer Khan fell on his left shoulder
while diving at mid-off during an IPL game. He had to be immediately taken off
and did not play any subsequent part in the tournament. He did return for the
ICC World T20 - which India lost - but looked quite under-fit and did not bowl
at full throttle throughout the tournament. Then, he was rested from the four-match
ODI series played in West Indies and has since then, undergone a surgery for
the injured shoulder.
Zaheer Khan has been spearheading India's bowling ever since he came back into
team after having being chucked out during the Greg Chappell-regime. Earlier
accused of being unfit and overweight, Zaheer played county cricket and made
a comeback with a bang. Over the period of time, he has become one of India's
best bowlers, with skipper M.S.Dhoni even giving him the title of the bowling
captain and allowing him to set his own fields on occasions. His ability to
reverse swing with the old ball was one of the reasons why India beat
Australia in the four-test match series at home, 2-0.
He has now been advised a three month long rest period by the doctor who operated
upon his shoulder, Dr. Mark Ferguson. Ferguson has had a great track
record of having treated the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and former players
Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble over the period of time.
The team for the Champions Trophy hasn't been selected so far, and the
last day for doing so is August 23. However, with a tri-nation tournament coming
up, the selectors could meet earlier to pick the squad. Zaheer had been named
in a list of 30 probables for the Champions Trophy.
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