Former India bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad said that Zaheer Khan's second spell is becoming a 'struggle' for the veteran left-arm pacer and also stated that none of the current India bowlers have the required variations to bowl with new field restrictions in ODI cricket.
"Zaheer is a great bowler but I think his second spell is slowly becoming a struggle. Also his fielding is also a concern. You have to understand that he is 35 years old. He has made his debut some 14 years back in Nairobi in the ICC Champions Trophy. There has been a lot of wear and tear on his body," Prasad said in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Asked if Zaheer should call time on his career, Prasad shot back, "He is a quality bowler with a seam position to die for but who are we to decide on his career?"
Prasad pointed out that the Indian bowlers lack the required varations to succeed in limited overs cricket and asked them to work hard in the nets to improve on the same.
"If you ask about bowling with four fielders outside the circle,
Prasad, who had worked as bowling coach of India for around two years is keen to get back into the mix.
"Obviously, it would be an honour to be the bowling coach. I am always ready to help out if my services are sought. I believe I have the credentials," Prasad, who was the bowling coach of the victorious World T20 winning squad.
Prasad is hopeful that India will do well in World T20 with the experienced Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina back in the team.
However he refused to be drawn into controversy whether Duncan Fletcher should be removed and Rahul Dravid be made the coach.
"Look Mr Gavaskar is a legend but I can't comment on his opinion. As far as Rahul is concerned, I was the bowling coach when he was captain. He has a great cricketing brain,'' he concluded.
