TA Sekhar, former India cricketer and a part of Delhi Daredevils’ management setup, has said Australia youngster Pat Cummins is learning a trick or two of fast bowling from veteran pacer Zaheer Khan.
In the past, world-class bowlers like James Anderson and Stuart Broad had revealed how they learnt from the former India fast bowler and Delhi Daredevils’ youngsters are also making it sure to take invaluable tips from their skipper.
Praising Zaheer, Sekhar revealed Cummins has been learning how to bowl cutters and slower deliveries more effectively in the shortest format of the game.
“Zaheer is a very intelligent cricketer and his tips have helped bowlers in the past. This time, Cummins has learnt a few things from him. Zaheer is good at bowling those cutters, which are not easy for the batsmen to read,” Sekar said.
The guidance from Zaheer, it seems, has surely benefited the Australia internationally as he has done quite well in the Indian Premier League so far. In the two matches that the capital-based side has played so far, Cummins has conceded only 53 runs in 7.1 overs in addition to taking three wickets.
Sekhar further said that Zaheer’s former India teammate and Sunrisers Hyderabad pace spearhead Ashish Nehra has also started bowling cutters instead of the conventional swings to deceive the batsman in the shortest format of the game.
“Even Ashish Nehra has started doing what Zaheer has been doing for a long time.The batsmen will prepare to playing for swing but it will be a cutter, which Zaheer does after breaking the wrist and twisting the fingers over the ball,” added Sekhar, who has been a reputed fast bowling coach.
Sekhar, who represented India in a couple of Tests, also had a word of praise for Zaheer’s understanding of the game
“If you hear Zaheer talking about the game during the bowlers’ meeting, you will know how tactically and technically well he reads the game,” Sekar added.
Meanwhile, Delhi Daredevils will be looking to continue their winning momentum when they take on Kings XI Punjab on Saturday at Kotla. Zaheer Khan’s men began the tournament with a loss against Royal Challengers Bangalore but bounced back in style by winning their next match against Rising Pune Supergiant by 97 runs.