Zaheer, Harbhajan will be fit for Pakistan: Kirmani
KOLKATA, Jan 26: Indian speedster Zaheer Khan and spinner Harbhajan Singh, who sustained injuries during ongoing Australian tour, were expected to regain fitness in time for the forthcoming India-Pakistan cricket series in March-April next.
"Both Zaheer and Harbhajan are nursing injuries. But I am hopeful that they will recover and become fit before the Pakistan tour," BCCI selection committee chairman Syed Kirmani told newsmen.
Stating that such injuries were part and parcel of the game, former Indian wicketkeeper said "it should not cause any tension in the side." Zaheer opted out of fourth and final Test against the Aussies earlier this month and also from ongoing VB tri-series following a left hamstring injury.
Off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was ruled out of engagements Down Under after first Test in Brisbane due to an index finger injury. Kirmani said with adequate rest and medication, both the players were "expected to be back to business" before the tour to Pakistan.
The Indian team is scheduled to travel to Pakistan in the first week of March for a Test and One-Day series after a gap of nearly 15 years following easing of tensions between the two neighbours in recent months.
Kirmani, who termed India's performance in Australia as "the best ever" on a foreign tour, expressed confidence that the team led by Sourav Ganguly would also "fare well" in Pakistan.
Kirmani, however, gave all the credit to skipper Ganguly and his wards for India's spectacular performance against the world champions. "It's the captain and the players and not the selection committee, who deserve to be congratulated," he remarked.
Commenting on the current Indian team, Kirmani said "There is good blend of youth and experience in this side. We are looking ahead to build a strong team for the years to come."
To a question, he admitted that bowling department, at times, appeared to be a weak link. "But then, there will always be some weaknesses somewhere in the squad. We have to sort it out." In this context, he said "If any youngster puts up good performance in the domestic arena, he will be picked up."-PPI
