Pat Cummins learning from Delhi Daredevils skipper Zaheer Khan

Former India pacer Zaheer Khan has been nurturing fast bowlers while leading his IPL side, the Delhi Daredevils. Australia’s Pat Cummins is one who’s benefited greatly from Zak’s invaluable tips and advice.

TA Sekar, a senior member of the Delhi Daredevils setup, shared that Zaheer has been coaching Cummins about various aspects of fast bowling. He’s given the young Australian some helpful advice on how to execute the cutters and the slower deliveries, especially for the shortest format of the game.

“Zaheer is a very intelligent cricketer and his tips have helped bowlers in the past. This time, Cummins has learnt a few things from him. Zaheer is good at bowling those cutters, which are not easy for the batsmen to read,” Sekar said.

Zaheer Khan has undoubtedly been one of India’s most successful fast bowlers. A senior statesman, Zaheer’s experience will be priceless for the youngsters in the side. Pat Cummins, for instance, showed great promise in testing Indian conditions recently. Filling in for Mitchell Starc, Cummins was brilliant in his comeback Test. He caused troubles for the Indian batsmen early on with his pace and bounce.

TA Sekar, a reputed fast bowling coach, also shared that other Indian bowlers have tried to emulate the accomplished speedster.

“Even Ashish Nehra has started doing what Zaheer has been doing for a long time.The batsmen will prepare to playing for swing but it will be a cutter, which Zaheer does after breaking the wrist and twisting the fingers over the ball,” Sekar said.

Zaheer Khan also had the opportunity of imparting his knowledge with Australia’s Nathan Coulter-Nile, and South African all-rounder Chris Morris. Although Coulter-Nile has moved to the KKR setup for this season, Chris Morris continues to play for the Daredevils this year. England’s Stuart Broad has also revealed that he was able to pick Zak’s brain to better understand how to bowl on sub-continent pitches.

“If you hear Zaheer talking about the game during the bowlers’ meeting, you will know how tactically and technically well he reads the game,” Sekar concluded.