Zaheer's sloth reflects team's intensity

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Zaheer's sloth reflects team's intensity

Cook’s temperament is a lesson for Kohli and Mushtaq’s presence has made a world of difference in the English camp.

By Wasim Akram
I am a firm believer in change and India's recent dismal record in Test cricket merited some drastic measures. The on-going transition within the Indian squad has seen pace spearhead Zaheer Khan axed from the side after picking up just four wickets in three Tests versus England so far. Despite skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni publicly backing Zaheer, saying he was bowling in the right areas, it has been his alarming lack of pace that has left the English batsmen untroubled.

It seems to me that Zaheer's main problem stems from his fitness levels. His run-up is slow and lethargic while his follow-through is almost non-existent. Compare this to the English pacers, James Anderson and Steven Finn. They bowled their hearts out every delivery, constantly touched speeds of 140 kmph.

Zaheer’s stock delivery is the reverse-swinging one, but for it to be effective he will have to run-in a lot faster. He is 34 years old and not getting any younger but if he can improve his physical condition by going back to first-class cricket then India can rely on Zak for a further two years at least.

Rather than drastically overhauling the side, the Indian selectors have done the right thing in making a few changes to the squad. The most pressing concern is the form and future of Sachin Tendulkar. When a team goes through a bad patch like India are going through right now, it is the captain who will be held responsible.

I am positive that Dhoni is the right choice to remain as captain, but he has to be more flexible in his tactics. You cannot throw the ball to a novice like Ravichandran Ashwin, like Dhoni did in Kolkata, and expect him to produce miracles. India and Dhoni, in particular, are lacking a Plan B when situations get tough, where they have seemed content in containing rather than attacking.

If the team management feels that a policy of split-captaincy would release the pressure on Dhoni, then maybe there is a need for change. But personally I would still have Dhoni over next-in-line Virat Kohli, who is too young to lead Team India.

It would be unfair to label Zaheer, Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh as 'scapegoats' for the abysmal Indian performance. As an outsider, when I see India play, I sense a dire lack of preparation, commitment and unity that is compiled with some below-par fielding. The side seemed to be going through the motions in an 'auto pilot' mode. India need a change in their approach rather than in personnel.

It would be unfair if I did not make a mention of England who have done stupendously well to turn this series around. Their skipper Alastair Cook has led from the front, showing tremendous temperament at the Test level, that someone like a Kohli should learn from.

Credit must also be given to their bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed whose tips have helped English bowlers make optimum use of the SG ball, especially when it comes to reverse-swing.

The chips are seemingly down for the Indian side, with England favorites heading into Nagpur. But, I am confident that the passion in wearing the Indian cap will come back in the fourth and final Test.

(Former Pakistan Test captain Wasim Akram is an ESPN-STAR Sports expert)