Zaheer Khan gearing up to play in IPL 2018

Former India international Zaheer Khan is bracing himself for another season of the IPL. Zaheer, who has appeared in all 10 seasons of the IPL for various franchises, will go under the hammer during the IPL auctions early next year. The left-arm bowler will be 39 when the next season of the IPL begins in April 2018 and it will be interesting to see if he creates any interest amongst the 8 teams.

Harsha Bhogle makes the announcement

Zaheer, who is currently commentating during the ongoing ODI series between Indian and Sri Lanka, is already working out in the gym to be in shape for the cash-rich tournament. The fifth and final game was delayed due to rain and during the break, Harsha Bhogle announced on air that Zaheer is raring to go in the IPL next year. The Baroda boy didn’t confirm nor denied and smiled on Harsha’s claim.

“For fans of Zaheer Khan, he is back in the gym. He is playing one more season of the IPL. He is back in the gym, he is starting to train again,” said Harsha.

Zaheer called time on his international career in 2015. He finished his career ranked as one of the finest fast bowlers produced by India. In a career spanning for almost a decade and a half, Zaheer picked 311 sticks from 92 Tests. In white-ball cricket, the fast bowler scalped 282 wickets from 200 ODIs and 17 from 17 T20I. His last appearance for the country came in February 2014 playing against New Zealand in Wellington.

Zaheer had two good seasons with Daredevils

Since then, the left-arm bowler has plied his trade in IPL. He has turned up for Delhi Daredevils as a captain for the last two seasons and picked 10 wickets apiece in the last two years while going under 8 runs an over on both occasions.

Zaheer Khan can still be a handy addition to any team even at 39 due to his colossal experience. Even during his time with the Daredevils, Zaheer was seen speaking to the young fast bowlers and mentored them perfectly. He will be expected to do the same if he is picked by a team in the auctions.