Zaheer doubtful for initial part of Ind-SA series

Left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan appears doubtful for the initial part of India's Test series against South Africa.

left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan appears doubtful for the initial part of India’s Test series against South Africa as he needs four weeks to be match-fit for international cricket.

“I am not (yet) ready for international cricket”, said Zaheer, who pulled out of the Test series against Australia because of an ankle injury.

The speedster, who is part of the Royal Challengers Bangalore team launched here yesterday, said he hoped to be in position to bowl in four weeks.

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Bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad also said Zaheer needs time to regain full fitness.

The first Test between India and South Africa starts on March 26 in Chennai.

Former India captain Rahul Dravid, who is leading the Vijay Mallya-owned Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL team, said he is excited about the prospect of sharing a dressing room with international stars such as Jacques Kallis and Nathan Bracken.

“It (IPL) is a new concept and whether we succeed will be known in time,” Dravid said at the launch of the team here last night.

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“If the cricket is good, the crowds will come back.”