Zaheer Khan uncertain about future after Delhi exit

A few eyebrows were raised when Zaheer Khan was handed the captaincy of the Delhi Daredevils following a disastrous season under JP Duminy. However, the 37-year old, in the twilight of his career has remained coy over his decision to retire from cricket. Zaheer made his claim in the ICC Knockout championships in 2000 in Kenya and was a mainstay of the Indian team until the injuries began to take its toll with the left-arm pacer eventually announcing his international cricketing retirement.

Zaheer was made skipper of the Delhi Daredevils which boasted of some fine young talent such as Shreyas Iyer, Mayank Agarwal, and Karun Nair.

Reflecting on the season gone by, Zaheer said, “(It) has been a wonderful campaign. We’ve been playing good cricket,” Zaheer said. “With this kind of side, we have given a tough time to all sides. Happy with the way things have panned out for us. 160 would have been dependable. When someone like Virat is there, he is so good at absorbing pressure. In a way, we felt one knock, one partnership was critical here. Couldn’t get going but these things happen. The team has young guys and odd days will be like this. We have given them the freedom. One partnership was critical and we couldn’t get going in that. A big game this was, pressure game.”

“I look forward to signing off my last season in domestic cricket at the conclusion of the Indian Premier League season 9,” he had said in the statement that also announced his retirement. “The toughest call in a cricketing career is when one has to walk away from the game itself. You almost will yourself and want to push that few, extra miles but then the body, after nearly two decades, decides not to respond.

Zaheer said: “I haven’t really thought about it (my future). Have enjoyed my time with the youngsters and trying to pass my knowledge to them. Still enjoying and will see.”