Zaheer Khan happy to play second fiddle to Delhi Daredevils' strong pace contingent

Although Zaheer hasn’t played cricket in almost a year, he believes he can support the strong pace battery that the Delhi Daredevils possess, even if it is only as backup to the likes of Mohammed Shami, Kagiso Rabada, Pat Cummins and all-rounders Chris Morris, Angelo Mathews and Carlos Brathwaite.

"It's very difficult to not play any match and then to turn up here and play the whole season. I look at it as a challenge. I stick to my routines along with discussion I have had with my trainers and physios. The process remains the same. I picked up the ball around December, got into it slowly and here I am now, ready to take on another IPL season. Every time I get on the field, the excitement comes back. It's the right dose of cricket for me at this stage of my career," Zaheer was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

"I have supreme fast bowlers who will take the pressure off me. I'm not playing the lead role, but just the support role. I'm playing the role I enjoy the most. This is my way of giving back to the game."

Zaheer said managing workload according to the stage of a fast bowler’s career is key to longevity in the game. "When I was playing, I preferred to play more and more. When you're in rhythm, you can maintain that. You can maintain workloads at practice,” he said.

“Someone like Umesh, who has played all season, he isn't going to realize when 20 overs are done. That's the beauty of bowling fitness. With all the bowlers who've been playing Tests and some level of cricket, it will be easier in terms of bowling fitness. The more you bowl, the better you will get. I've always endorsed match practice is the best practice."

Delhi’s batting is not as strong as their bowling unit, given that they’re missing South Africa's JP Duminy and Quinton de Kock for different reasons. "We've always believed in youngsters and the potential they have. If you look at last season's squad, you've got someone like Karun Nair, who has a triple century at the Test level. Shreyas Iyer has made his mark, he's part of the Test team. These youngsters are no longer youngsters, they're seasoned campaigners now," Zaheer said.

"That is the strength of DD this year. You've got an Indian batting line-up which is more experienced and know more about of their roles. The squad is settled. We're sitting pretty despite JP and Quinton's unavailability. If you look at all the squads, you will find players who are missing out because of international duties and injuries. We're prepared for the uncertainties."